A New Hampshire resident, Douglas Reynolds, 37, has been indicted for allegedly using a firearm to assault a federal officer and firing the weapon during the incident, as announced by the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont. This second superseding indictment follows prior charges related to firearms, which are still pending against Reynolds.
The incident dates back to October 24, 2024, when Reynolds was involved in a high-speed pursuit initiated in New Hampshire, which concluded near Ryegate, Vermont. According to court documents, the chase exceeded speeds of 100 miles per hour. At its conclusion, Reynolds reportedly discharged a firearm from his vehicle, prompting law enforcement officers to return fire before apprehending him.
Reynolds has not yet had his arraignment scheduled for the new indictment and remains in custody. An indictment solely represents allegations, and Reynolds retains the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, he faces a sentence ranging from a mandatory minimum of 10 years to potentially life imprisonment. The District Court will establish the final sentence, taking into account the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, and the Vermont State Police in their thorough investigation of the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker is taking on the prosecutorial role, while Reynolds is receiving legal representation from Assistant Federal Public Defender Carmen Brooks.
Reynolds's case falls under Operation Take Back America, a comprehensive Department of Justice initiative aimed at tackling illegal immigration, dismantling cartels, neutralizing transnational criminal organizations, and curtailing violent crime. The case is also a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which unites various law enforcement levels and community efforts to combat violent crime and gun violence, striving to enhance neighborhood safety. Additional details about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be accessed at Justice.gov/PSN.