Two Vermont State Troopers were ordered Monday to appear in Vermont Superior Court

Two Vermont State Troopers were ordered Monday to appear in Vermont Superior Court in Brattleboro next week to face charges in connection with a controversial case involving the use of a bean bag to try to deescalate an unruly suspect on a roof last summer, officials said. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark wants Patrol Sgt. Ryan Wood and Trooper Zachary Trocki, charged with reckless endangerment and simple assault for the incident that happened about 2:15 a.m. on June 17, 2022, in Newfane. They are due in court on May 30. Meanwhile a GoFundMe page has been established to help support the two state troopers and their families once Wood and Trocki go on unpaid leave next week. The money is aimed to cover rent, food and monthly bills. The fundraiser quickly generated more than $11,300 toward a preliminary goal of $25,000 as early Monday afternoon. Former Vermont State Trooper James Matthews, one of the organizers, said the two troopers acted in good faith during an emergency. He said the criminal charges come after 11 months of uncertainty while waiting for the AG to rule. Matthews wrote it appears the “motivation to bring charges now may be political.”