A Revere man is behind bars after Vermont troopers say he blasted up Interstate 89 at more than 100 mph on Monday, running the length of the highway all the way to the Canadian border before being stopped at the crossing.
Police allege the driver carved through traffic at triple-digit speeds for over 100 miles, only coming to a halt when Canadian customs officials at the Highgate port of entry detained him and handed him back to U.S. authorities. He was later booked in St. Albans.
According to Newport Dispatch, Vermont State Police started getting 911 reports around 11:15 a.m. Monday about an erratic driver on I-89. An alert went out for a silver Toyota Camry with Massachusetts plates, and troopers at the Williston Barracks soon spotted the car in Bolton.
They estimated the Camry was topping 100 mph as the driver blew past attempts to pull him over and continued north. Troopers monitored the situation rather than engage directly.
Farther up the highway, troopers from the St. Albans Barracks, joined by Swanton police, saw the Camry still heading north and followed it to the Highgate crossing. There, Canadian customs officers detained the driver.
"Troopers did not pursue the vehicle due to the inherent risks to public safety," authorities said. After Canadian officials refused the driver entry, he was released back into U.S. custody and arrested by Vermont State Police. He was processed at the St. Albans barracks and ordered jailed for lack of $50,000 bail. An arraignment is set for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans, according to Newport Dispatch.
Identity and local ties
Authorities identified the driver as 30-year-old Duche Romeus of Revere, Massachusetts. Public records also list a Duche Romeus on a Massachusetts civil service roster connected to Revere, confirming the hometown reported by police; see Mass.gov.
Charges and next steps
Romeus faces charges including eluding in a grossly negligent manner, grossly negligent operation and multiple civil traffic violations. The case will move through the Criminal Division in St. Albans, where Romeus is scheduled to be arraigned.
Vermont State Police handled the arrest and say the investigation is still active. Officials did not immediately provide more details. This story will be updated as court records and official statements become available.
