Officer Distracted in Fatal Cycling Crash

 Investigators believe a police officer was distracted when he allegedly hit and killed a bicyclist in South Burlington. This comes just days before Shelburne Police Sgt. Kyle Kapitanski is set to be arraigned on the charges. In documents, investigators say moments before the crash, Kapitanski was traveling over the speed limit with a YouTube video playing on his in-cruiser tablet. Video shows Kapitanski hitting and killing cyclist Sean Hayes on Shelburne Road back in November. Now, documents filed in the criminal case against him show police believe speed and distraction were factors in the crash. The affidavit points to Kapitanski’s body camera, which shows a YouTube video playing on his in-car mounted tablet. In the moments following the crash, investigators say his hand can be seen changing the screen to a police information program known as Valcour. Defense attorney David Sleigh is asking the court to review its finding of probable cause, stating the evidence presented does not constitute the charge. Kapitanski is expected to appear in court on Thursday for his arraignment. If convicted on the gross negligence charge, he could face up to 15 years in prison.