Pedestrian ID'd in Fatal Crash in Colchester; Name of Teen-Age Driver Still Withheld

By Michael Donoghue - Vermont News First

Michael Pickering, 52, of Colchester has been identified as the pedestrian killed by a 16-year-old motorist on Malletts Bay Avenue on Saturday night, Colchester Police said Monday.

The name of the teen driver operating the vehicle was still not released because he is likely not to face any adult court action due to his age.

The Colchester Emergency Dispatch Center received several 911 calls reporting a crash on Malletts Bay Avenue near Young Street just over the town line from Winooski about 8:52 p.m. Saturday.

Upon arrival, officers determined a pedestrian had been struck by a motor vehicle and that resuscitative efforts were underway by bystanders, Police Chief Peter Hull said in a news release.

Pickering was pronounced dead at the scene by Colchester Rescue personnel.

He was wearing dark clothes and headed northbound when struck by the teen driver in the northbound vehicle, Hull said.

The investigation into the cause of the crash and the contributing factors is continuing, police said.

Vermont law currently allows drivers under 19 years-old to avoid accountability in adult court in fatal crashes.

The Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office can pursue a Youthful Offenders case in Family Court, where proceedings are confidential. The punishment is limited due to a lack of resources in Vermont, including no juvenile jail facilities.

Town Police were assisted by Colchester Rescue and Fire, as well as Winooski, Essex, and Williston Police.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Colchester Police at (802) 264-5555.