RI Man Pleads Not Guilty After Police Shooting

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) — Brenden Sackal, a 30-year-old man from Hopkinton, Rhode Island, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of attempted murder, stemming from a violent encounter with Vermont State Police last month. The incident occurred on July 14 after Sackal allegedly shot at troopers during his arrest following a vehicle chase that began when law enforcement was alerted to his presence in the area due to an outstanding arrest warrant related to illegal firearm possession. The confrontation began when a U.S. Border Patrol agent spotted Sackal’s pickup truck in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. After a brief stop, Sackal fled, prompting a pursuit that led into Canaan, Vermont. Concerned he might cross into Canada, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol deployed a tire deflation device, which left Sackal driving on flat tires. He continued south, pursued by law enforcement, until he collided with two state police cruisers in Morgan, Vermont. After losing control of his vehicle, Sackal stopped in Burke, where he allegedly fired at the troopers. In response, two troopers returned fire, injuring Sackal, who was subsequently taken into custody. He received medical treatment at a hospital, while the troopers involved were placed on paid relief-from-duty status, a standard procedure following such incidents. The Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit is currently investigating the shooting, with findings to be reviewed by the Vermont attorney general and county prosecutor.