Man allegedly

struck responder

WEST TOPSHAM — Vermont State Police say a man from Orange drunkenly punched an emergency responder in the face in West Topsham Saturday.

Joshua Welch, 21, was cited for assaulting medical personnel. He is scheduled to answer the charge in Orange County criminal court on Nov. 14.

Welch’s truck became stuck on a baseball field on Batten Road, overheated as Welch tried to move it, and caught on fire. Police added that the truck had torn up some of the field before getting stuck.

Police said that when emergency responders arrived to put out the fire, Welch became belligerent.

Welch denied driving the vehicle and police said they had no proof he was the driver. They are continuing to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact state police in Bradford at 222-4680.