Summary: Burglary, Grand Larceny, Embezzlement, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Regulated Drugs (x4)
Case #: 23WM002361
On October 30, 2023, the Wilmington Police Department received a report of a burglary at a Wilmington business. During the investigation Wilmington Police learned that in the early morning hours of October 30, 2023 suspects had entered the business and stolen a safe. Police found that there was no forced entry and it was suspected that an employee had used their key to Gian entry after hours to steal the safe. Wilmington Police located evidence at a local residence from the burglary and with assistance from community members additional evidence that had been partially destroyed in attempts to dispose of it was also recovered. Wilmington Police attempted to locate several suspects who were known to travel between several area towns.
On November 8, 2023 Wilmington Police received a crime tip that one of the suspect's vehicles was located at a residence in Whitingham. One of the suspects had an active arrest warrant for failure to appear on a leaving the scene of an accident charge. At approximately 9:50 AM two Wilmington Police Officers attempted to make contact with the suspects at the residence in Whitingham. One suspect, identified as Nicholas Jones, age 40, of Wilmington VT, exited the residence and spoke with one of the police officers. As one of the officers approached the residence to speak with the other suspects, a gun was fired from inside the residence near the side of the residence where the officer was approaching the front door. An individual exited the residence who was detained and later released without charges. There was no contact from anyone inside the residence and police learned that one suspect was inside the residence and armed with a rifle.
Vermont State Police Tactical Services Unit was contacted to make entry into the residence. After the residence was entered one suspect was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Two vehicles were seized from the scene, one vehicle was later searched and found to contain illicit drugs and items that had been in the stolen safe.
Jones was arrested and charges with the following offenses: Burglary, Grand Larceny, Embezzlement, Possession of Stolen Property, and Possession of Regulated Drugs (x4). He was ordered released on conditions of released and he was cited to appear in Windham District Court on 11/9/23 at 12:30 PM.
Vermont State Police, Dover Police Department, Deerfield Valley Rescue, and Whitingham Rescue assisted with the incident.
