Derby Barracks / Multiple charges Craftsbury

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A5006458 / 26A5006410

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Aaron Leonard / Tpr. Richard Berlandy                      

STATION: Derby                   

CONTACT#: 802-344-8881

 

DATE/TIME: 11/09/2026 0717 and 11/06/2026 1617 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Dustan Road and Wild Branch Road, Craftsbury, VT

VIOLATION:

 

26A5006458: Burglary into an occupied dwelling, Retail Theft, Negligent Operation x 2, Excessive speed, Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement x2, Large capacity ammunition feeding devices, Shooting from motor vehicles or aircraft (Possession of loaded firearm in vehicle), Unlawful Mischief

 

26A5006410: Unlawful trespass occupied dwelling, Unlawful trespass onto property, and retail theft

 

ACCUSED: Robert Witham Jr                                           

AGE: 46

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Craftsbury, VT

 

VICTIM: Mark Royan

AGE: 46

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Craftsbury, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On 11/09/2026 at approximately 0717 hours, the Vermont State Police was advised of a burglary complaint at a residence on Dustan Road in the Town of Craftsbury, VT. Mark Royan reported that Robert Witham, age 46 of Craftsbury, VT, had unlawfully entered his residence and had stolen several items from his farmstand and residence. Witham was also sought by VSP Derby for other related incidents reported on 11/06/2026.

 

Troopers responded to the area in search of Witham who was reported to have fled in his vehicle in the Craftsbury area. While conducting their investigation, Troopers observed Witham drive by the victim's residence on Dustan Road. Witham failed to stop for the Troopers who attempted to stop him in marked cruisers on North Craftsbury Road and again on Wild Branch Road in Craftsbury. Troopers did not engage in pursuing this vehicle when Witham failed to yield. While attempting to elude Troopers, Witham operated his vehicle in a negligent manner well in excess of the Vermont basic rule speed limit.

 

Troopers observed Witham enter his residence on Wild Branch Road and attempted to take him into custody. Witham barricaded himself inside for several hours and refused to comply with law enforcement orders to exit the residence. A significant law enforcement response occurred which closed Wild Branch Road for several hours while a search warrant was executed to take Witham into custody.  During the search of Witham's property, a loaded firearm and a 30 round rifle magazine was located in the vehicle Witham was operating when Troopers encountered him. Additionally during the search Witham is accused of causing damage to a Vermont State Police drone.

 

Witham was ultimately taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Derby barracks for processing. Witham was charged with the following offenses between the two cases listed: Burglary into an occupied dwelling, Retail Theft, Negligent Operation x 2, Excessive speed, Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement x2, Large capacity ammunition feeding devices, Shooting from motor vehicles or aircraft (Possession of loaded firearm in vehicle), Unlawful Mischief, Unlawful trespass occupied dwelling, Unlawful trespass onto property, and retail theft.

 

Witham was held on $5,000 bail at the Northern State Correctional Facility and conditions of release imposed by the Honorable Court. Witham will be arraigned on the above charges on Tuesday 11/10/2026 at 12:30PM in Newport City.

 

Responding units to this incident included the Vermont State Police Derby barracks, VSP Special Teams to include the Unmanned Aerial Systems Program and Tactical Services Unit, the Orleans County Sheriff's Department, Vermont Fish and Wildlife, the Hardwick Police Department, and the Craftsbury Fire Department.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME:  11/9/2026 12:30PM           

COURT: Orleans Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: Northern State Correctional Facility

BAIL: $5,000

MUG SHOT: INCLUDED

 

*Please note:  court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of

the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time.

 

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