Vermont law enforcement officers are petitioning to name a section of Interstate 91 after U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent David 'Chris' Maland, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Coventry on January 20.
Vermont Police Association President Christopher Hoar appeared before the Vermont Transportation Board in Newport on Tuesday to support the request. Maland was killed after a hotel employee in Newport reported seeing a guest with a gun and tactical gear, leading to surveillance of a couple later identified as Felix Bauckholt, a German national, and Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Washington state. Both were later found to be members of the Zizians, a group linked to multiple killings across the country.
During the stop, Youngblut fired a handgun, striking Maland in the neck. Bauckholt reached for his weapon and was shot dead at the scene. Youngblut was arrested and faces murder charges; she has pleaded not guilty.
“This dedication would serve as a lasting tribute to his service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting the people of Vermont,” the Vermont Police Association said in a statement.
NEK will be looking into the status of Youngblut’s case and the broader investigation into the Zizians network.
Photo: Kindel Media via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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