St. Johnsbury, VT — A 38-year-old fugitive wanted on multiple warrants in both Vermont and New Hampshire was taken into custody Sunday morning after a dangerous high-speed chase that ended with an overturned vehicle and a large police search through wooded terrain.
The suspect, identified as Shawn Hickock, is facing several new charges after investigators say he repeatedly lied about his identity while attempting to avoid arrest.
Early-Morning Threat Call Triggers Police Response
The situation began around 4:00 a.m. Sunday when St. Johnsbury Police responded to an urgent call from a residence on Spring Street. Officers were told that a man inside the home was threatening to kill someone, prompting a rapid law enforcement response to prevent violence.
As officers arrived in the area, they spotted an SUV quickly leaving the residence. According to the reports, the driver initially refused to stop and instead sped away, which marked the start of a dangerous pursuit through the streets of St. Johnsbury.
Driver Reaches 85 MPH in a 30 Zone, Police Say
According to police, the driver — later confirmed to be Hickock — began driving erratically, swerving across lanes and accelerating to nearly 85 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone. Officers continued to pursue the vehicle as it traveled toward Lyndonville.
The first crash occurred near the intersection of Broad Street and Hill Street in Lyndonville, where the suspect’s SUV collided but continued forward. The pursuit did not stop there.
SUV Found Overturned; Suspect Flees Into Woods
Shortly after the crash, authorities located the overturned vehicle on Tute Hill Road. However, Hickock was no longer in the SUV. Officers began searching the surrounding wooded area — a search that ultimately led to the discovery of the suspect hiding nearby.
During the arrest, police say Hickock once again provided a false identity, this time calling himself “Shawn Billado.” He also attempted to claim that another man named Stephen MacNevins had been behind the wheel and had run off.
However, officers conducted a full search of the area and located no other individual, confirming that Hickock was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Hospital Visit Confirms True Identity
Hickock was transported to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital for evaluation after the crash. While there, police were able to confirm his true identity.
Authorities later revealed that Hickock had two active warrants in Vermont and an additional warrant in New Hampshire, marking him as a wanted fugitive prior to the pursuit.
Seven New Charges Filed
In addition to his outstanding warrants, Hickock now faces seven new criminal charges, which police say include:
- Eluding a police officer
- Identity theft
- Providing false information to law enforcement
- Dangerous and reckless operation of a vehicle
- And additional related offenses
He is scheduled to appear in Caledonia County Court on Monday to face his pending charges.
Police Praise Quick Response, Warn About Risks of Fleeing
Officials say the coordinated response and rapid action of officers from both towns helped ensure that no members of the community were harmed during the pursuit — despite the suspect’s extreme speeds and reckless behavior.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities continue reviewing evidence from the pursuit and the initial threat call.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think police should impose harsher penalties for dangerous chases like this one, especially when suspects are already wanted in multiple states?
Share your thoughts on community safety and law enforcement response in the comment section below.
