Craftbury Man Struck, Injured in Greensboro
On May 11, at approximately 2150 hours, Vermont State Police was notified of an incident where someone had been struck by a truck. First responders were notified the victim, later to be identified as a Tyler Friend, of Craftsbury, was unconscious in a cornfield off South. Albany Road in the town of Craftsbury. Assisting departments included Hardwick Rescue, Glover Ambulance, Newport Ambulance, Craftsbury Fire, Orleans County Sheriff’s and later, DHART helicopter services.
Upon trooper’s arrival, the operator of the truck involved in the collision was identified as Parker Clark, of Craftsbury. While on scene, it was determined the incident actually occurred at the boating ramp access on Beach Road in the town of Greensboro. Due to the significant nature of the victim’s injuries, Friend was flown via helicopter to the University of Vermont Medical Center.
During initial investigation, Clark was found to show signs and indicators of impairment and was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol. Clark was taken into custody, transported to the Vermont State Police – Derby Barracks where he was processed for DUI.
Further investigation revealed Clark was doing donuts in the parking lot when he struck Friend who was standing in the parking lot. Clark loaded Friend into his truck where he drove him to a remote farm off South Albany Road in Craftsbury, drove across a cornfield to the woods line, dragged and carried Friend over a small ravine and down into a slow-moving creek. Clark got back into his truck and got stuck in the mud, rendering him unable to leave. Clark subsequently returned to Friend in the wooded ravine and pulled/carried him back out before making his way to the local farm to call for help.
Friend is considered to be in critical condition.
Clark is facing charges of Attempted Second Degree Murder, DUI #1, and Gross Negligent Operation with Serious Bodily Injury resulting.
Parker Clark was ordered jailed without bail Thursday morning at the Northern State Correctional Facility in Coventry pending arraignment scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, May 12, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Newport.
This investigation is in its infancy stages and will continue. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Derby Barracks at 802-334-8881.
Clark was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted second-degree murder, grossly negligent operation with serious bodily injury resulting, and two counts related to DUI. He was ordered detained without bail.
The victim, Tyler Friend, remains hospitalized in critical condition at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.
Throughout the day, members of the Vermont State Police Criminal Division and Field Force Division have continued their investigation into this incident. Units involved have included the Crime Scene Search Team, Crash Reconstruction team, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program. Their work has included scenes at the boating access in Greensboro and the area around 2409 S. Albany Rd., in Craftsbury.
Police have worked closely with the Orleans County State’s Attorney’s Office to advance the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
The state police asks that anyone with information that could aid investigators call the Derby Barracks at 802-334-8881 or leave an anonymous tip online at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.
