Matthew Laplant, 37, homeless, pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of narcotic possession

Matthew Laplant, 37, homeless, pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of narcotic possession and felony escape from an officer. Judge Michael Kainen set bail at $200 and conditions of release. Laplant remains in the Northeast Correctional Complex in St. Johnsbury. “On April 12, at approximately 5:34 p.m., I was attempting to locate another individual at Horizon’s Deli in the Town of St. Johnsbury,” wrote Officer Hartwell. “I came in contact with Matthew Laplant, who I recognized from several personal and law enforcement interactions…I had seen Laplant’s name on the warrant list.” A check with dispatch confirmed that Laplant had two active warrants for his arrest in Caledonia Superior Court.  Ofc. Hartwell then searched Laplant and discovered a plastic bag containing a purple powder. A chemical test of the powder was positive for the presence of fentanyl. On arrival at the police department, Ofc. Johnson opened the rear door of his cruiser to bring Laplant into the building. As soon as the door was opened, Laplant jumped from the vehicle and ran. Laplant was again apprehended and brought to the police station. A review of the warrants showed that Laplant failed to appear for arraignment earlier this year for two counts of felony DUI #3 – drug or both.