HIGHGATE DUO BUSTED FOR IMPERSONATING GAME WARDENS, ASSAULT
HIGHGATE: Vermont State Police began investigating an accusation of two men entering a Highgate home in November after identifying themselves as game wardens, then assaulting the homeowners.
The incident happened during the early morning hours of November 20th, according to the Vermont State Police.
If what State Police say is true, Storm Choiniere, 29, and Douglas Barratt, 53, both of Highgate, were upset that the victims, Dennis and Wendy Nadeau, would not sell them large fuel tanks.
The suspects returned to the Nadeau home at around 3:30 am on November 20th, and identified themselves as Game Wardens with Vermont Fish & Wildlife who were investigating a deer jacking, police say.
When Dennis Nadeau opened the door and asked for identification, Choiniere pointed a firearm at him, followed by both suspects assaulting the two victims, including strangling at least one of them, said police.
During the course of the investigation, police say they discovered that Choiniere also prevented Wendy Nadeau from calling 911.
The two suspects finally fled the scene on foot after Dennis Nadeau was able to call authorities.
State Police say Choiniere is currently incarcerated on a probation violation and is due in court to answer to charges linked to this case on January 5th. He is being charged with impersonating an officer, aggravated assault, interference with access to emergency services, simple assault, and burglary.
Choiniere was been convicted in January for a burglary in Grand Isle County, where he was sentenced to serve nine months to two years. You can read about that story here.
As for Barratt, he was taken into custody today and is being held on $50,000 bail until his arraignment tomorrow. He is being charged with Aggravated assault as well as impersonating an officer.
Barratt’s previous convictions include felony false pretenses, simple assault on a law enforcement or corrections officer, burglary, burglary of an occupied dwelling, and transporting drugs and alcohol into a correctional facility. His convictions date back as far as 2003.
