A person commits a criminal offense (crime) if they intentionally flee from a person they know or should know is a peace officer or federal special investigator attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. A person will be subject to higher penalties if they use a motor vehicle or watercraft while evading arrest or detention, or cause injury to another person. This criminal offense is also known as “fleeing and eluding.”
In Vermont, the act of fleeing and eluding law enforcement is addressed under Vermont Statutes Title 23 (Motor Vehicles), Section 1133. This statute makes it a crime for a person to intentionally flee from a law enforcement officer after being signaled to stop. The individual must know or should reasonably know that the person pursuing them is a peace officer or federal special investigator attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. If the individual uses a motor vehicle or watercraft to flee or evade arrest, they may face more severe penalties. Additionally, if the act of fleeing and eluding results in injury to any person, the offender is subject to even higher penalties. The offense of fleeing and eluding is considered a serious crime and can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record.