UPDATE: A Hoosick Falls man was extradited to Vermont following a violent public assault that occurred in North Bennington last October. Adam Joseph Sargood, 41, was apprehended two weeks after the incident, which involved a disturbing attack on a pregnant woman outside the Pangea Restaurant.
On October 16, police received an urgent call about a woman screaming for help and being chased by a man. Officers from the Bennington Police Department later encountered the victim in the parking lot of the E&G Mart on Bank Street, where she disclosed the violent details of the incident. According to a police affidavit, Sargood allegedly pulled her hair, strangled her, and threw a car speaker at her, causing her to fall.
The victim, who reported being in a relationship with Sargood for only a month, indicated that this was not his first act of violence. She stated, “he gets mean when he drinks,” highlighting the alarming nature of the situation.
An arrest warrant was issued for Sargood on December 15, leading to his capture in New York and subsequent extradition to Vermont. During his arraignment, prosecutors requested he be held without bail due to the severity of the attack. Defense attorney Susana Bliss argued for his release on conditions, citing his lack of a prior criminal record and his time already served in jail.
Judge John Valente ultimately set a $10,000 unsecured bail with strict conditions: no alcohol, no firearms, and no contact with the victim. Following these rulings, Sargood was released.
If convicted, Sargood faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. A status hearing has been scheduled for early March, 2024. It is important to note that all defendants in Vermont are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case underscores the critical issue of domestic violence, and the community remains on alert as further developments unfold. Authorities urge anyone who experiences or witnesses similar situations to report them immediately. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
