Newport Center, Vermont – A woman found unconscious in a vehicle now faces DUI and drug charges, prompting a criminal case in Orleans County.
According to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on Thursday, Feb. 20, to a report of a female passed out behind the wheel in Newport Center. Deputy Cota located the driver and identified her as 38-year-old Kristi Rivers of Saint Johnsbury.
Authorities allege Rivers had a criminally suspended driver’s license at the time of the incident. She was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and operating a vehicle with a criminally suspended license.
During the arrest, deputies allegedly discovered a substance in Rivers’ possession that later tested positive for cocaine, according to the sheriff’s office.
Rivers faces misdemeanor charges including DUI, possession of cocaine, and criminal driving with a suspended license. She is scheduled to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Orleans Criminal Division, on Monday, May 12 at 8:30 a.m. Court times are subject to change.
The case remains active, and all allegations have not yet been proven in court.
The incident highlights ongoing enforcement efforts targeting impaired driving and drug-related offenses in the region, which can pose risks to other motorists and local road safety.
A single incident like this may also affect commuters and younger drivers navigating rural roadways where emergency response times can vary.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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