Bennington crash: Attempted murder suspect held in Albany jail

A Vermont man accused of shooting a driver and causing a violent car crash in Bennington last July is now behind bars in Albany, New York, as authorities work to return him to Vermont for prosecution.

Griford Saupin, 34, was taken into custody by the Albany County Sheriff’s Department earlier this week after a multi-agency search. He is currently being held at the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail, pending extradition proceedings. A court date for the extradition hearing has been set for April 10, 2025, according to Albany County court records.

The incident dates back to July 25, 2024, when a car carrying Saupin and another man slammed into several parked vehicles on a residential street in Bennington, flipping one of the parked cars. Police said the crash was triggered by a gunshot—Saupin, a passenger in the vehicle, allegedly fired a handgun at the driver, causing the driver to lose control.

Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette confirmed that the shooting was not random. “This appears to be a targeted incident between two individuals who knew each other,” Doucette said in a statement released Thursday. Investigators have not disclosed the motive, but sources close to the case indicate the two men had a prior dispute.

The victim, whose name has not been released, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Hospital officials said he has undergone multiple surgeries and is now showing signs of improvement. A family spokesperson told reporters that the victim is “fighting hard” and that the family is grateful for the medical team’s efforts.

Saupin was arrested without incident in Albany earlier this week after a tip led officers to a motel. He was initially charged with first-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues, the Bennington County State’s Attorney’s Office said.

Legal experts say the extradition process could take several weeks, especially if Saupin contests it. “If he waives extradition, he could be in Vermont by the end of the month,” said Thomas R. Chase, a former prosecutor now in private practice. “If he fights it, the process could drag on for months.”

The case has drawn attention to a broader issue of gun violence in the region. Bennington, a small town in southwestern Vermont, has seen a rise in gun-related incidents in recent years, though violent crime remains relatively low. Local advocates have called for stronger background checks and community intervention programs.

The Bennington Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident, including whether the firearm used was legally obtained. They have not released details about the weapon.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Editor’s note: This report is based on information from the Bennington Police Department, Albany County Sheriff’s Department, and court records. Previous coverage by local NBC affiliate WNYT contributed to the factual basis.