Snowmobile Safety Inspection Goes Wrong

[Chris Santee]

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASE

SNOWMOBILE CRASH
CASE#:12B200311
TROOPER: Aux. Tpr. Albert Stringer           
STATION:    Derby                 
CONTACT#:334-8881

DATE/TIME: 2/5/12   2:30PM
LOCATION: Lake Seymour (middle of the lake)

VEHICLE #1 OPERATOR: Jason Dukette      AGE:39     
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:  Brighton VT
DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE: 2012 Skidoo 600 ACE
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE: none

VEHICLE #2 OPERATOR:  Marsha Archer         AGE: 59     
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newport VT
DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE: 2000 skidoo
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE: minor damage

WEATHER: Clear
ROAD COND: lake was snow and ice covered

On January 5, 2012 Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Jason Dukette was on patrol operating a Vermont Fish and Wildlife snowmobile on Lake Seymour in the town of Morgan. Warden Dukette observed a snowmobile traveling along the lake and attempted to initiate a stop of the snowmobile and operator for a safety inspection. 

As Warden Dukette  approached Archer’s snowmobile, Archer attempted to stop and Warden Dukette's snowmobile made direct contact with Archer's snowmobile. Warden Dukette's snowmobile rolled on its side but did not sustain any damages. Warden Dukette was uninjured. Archer's snowmobile sustained minor damage and Archer sustained minor injury. Archer was transported by private vehicle to receive medical treatment for her injuries. Both snowmobiles were driven away from the scene.

The investigation is on-going and no further information is available at this time.

[mkr]

They were on a lake, he couldn't go around for some reason I am guessing unless the warden just pulled out in front or at him???  I am curious.  Also, just a safety check, did he really need to track him down? He wasn't breaking any laws.

The wardens and police usually just stay parked near a place where you would be slowing down to get on a trail, cross the road, or in an open safe area to wave down a rider. 

[trussell]

Maybe it was a slow enforcement day?
(wow, that sounds like a Rod Anode comment!)

[rod anode]

no Russell that whole scenario is from a rusty deweez skit.....brighton is where that constable is from you know terrible ted miller sounds like one of his stunts,or maybe class was in session training a newbee

[LauriH]

Teddy Miller retired a couple of years ago.  I don't think he even lives in the state anymore.