West Rutland, VT – A Rutland County man was arrested Thursday afternoon after deputies say he nearly struck a patrol vehicle and deputy during a traffic stop on Route 4 near Exit 6.
According to the Rutland County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 4:44 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2025, on Route 4 West near the Rutland Town–West Rutland town line. Deputies were conducting a traffic stop with emergency lights activated when a passing vehicle failed to slow down or move over as required by Vermont’s Move Over Law.
Authorities say the vehicle came dangerously close to striking both a marked patrol unit and a deputy, prompting a separate traffic stop. The driver was identified as Kevin W. Bodette, 54, of Wallingford, Vermont.
According to police, Corporal Gregory Ricketts observed several indicators of impairment while speaking with Bodette. Bodette was asked to perform standardized field sobriety tests, which authorities say he failed to complete satisfactorily. He was taken into custody and transported to the Rutland Police Department for processing.
During processing, Bodette allegedly refused to provide an evidentiary breath sample. Investigators later determined he was actively consuming an alcoholic beverage while operating the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.
Bodette was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation, and recklessly endangering another person. He was also cited for multiple civil violations, including failing to move over for emergency vehicles, consuming alcohol while driving, and possession of an open container. Total fines issued amounted to $861.
Police say Bodette’s vehicle was towed from the scene. He was later released to a sober adult and is scheduled to appear in Rutland Superior Court – Criminal Division at a later date.
All charges are allegations. Bodette is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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