Derby Man Arrested After High Speed Chase and K9 Search in Newport

Police Chief Travis Bingham announced that the Newport Police Department arrested a Derby man on multiple motor vehicle charges following a brief pursuit that ended with assistance from K9 units. Gerin Fortin, 28, of Derby, was arrested and charged with eluding a police officer, grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and excessive speed. On Tuesday, Newport Police encountered a black 2007 Honda Civic with a cracked windshield and missing inspection sticker leaving the Circle K on the Derby line. Officers tried to stop the vehicle when the driver fled the scene, nearly hitting a Newport Police cruiser. A pursuit began and the Honda proceeded at a high rate of speed and crossed the marked double-yellow lines, almost hitting several oncoming vehicles. Due to safety concerns, officers discontinued the pursuit and requested additional units to respond to the area of Valley Road and Derby Road. Newport Police later observed the Honda Civic traveling on Whittier Road. State Police and Orleans County Sheriffs also responded to Whittier Road. The Newport K9 Unit and Vermont State Police Troopers located the vehicle in a field off Whittier Road. K9 units tracked the driver and a passenger, leading officers to locate the two individuals in a nearby shed. The operator was identified as Fortin. Fortin was arrested without incident. It was determined that he had two active warrants. Fortin was held on $2,500 bail and was set for arraignment in Orleans Superior Court on Wednesday.