Vermont State Police say a two-vehicle collision occurred on April 27, 2026, at around 8:14 a.m. on VT Route 25 in Topsham. The crash involved a 2010 Ford Focus operated by 37-year-old Justin Paquette and a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox driven by 39-year-old Jackie Winget. According to police, Paquette failed to maintain his lane, resulting in his vehicle striking Winget’s car while traveling in opposite directions.
Paquette sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was initially taken to Central Vermont Medical Center before being transferred to UVM Medical Center for further treatment. His passenger, 33-year-old Brandon Marquardt, did not suffer any injuries, and Winget also reported no injuries from the incident.
Following the crash, Paquette was charged with Negligent Operation and issued four civil violation complaints, including Operating Without Liability Insurance and Operating Without a License. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Paquette is scheduled to appear in Orange County Criminal Court on July 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. According to the report, all charges are allegations and subject to change as the case progresses. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Rodzel at 802-748-3111.
The Vermont twovehicle crash situation continues to develop.
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Source: Vermont State Police
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All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and court dates are subject to change. Reporting is based on information from law enforcement and public records, and will be updated as more details become available.
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