Vermont Police Sergeant Faces Felony Charge in Cyclist Fatality

A Vermont police sergeant is facing a felony charge of grossly negligent operation with death resulting following a November 2024 incident in South Burlington, Vermont, where he allegedly struck and killed a cyclist while driving over the speed limit with a YouTube video playing on a tablet in his cruiser. Kyle Kapitanski, the sergeant in question, is accused of hitting Burlington resident Sean Hayes in the early morning hours of November 11, 2024. The tragic incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about distracted driving and accountability within law enforcement.

The investigation into the crash revealed a series of alarming details. According to court documents obtained by the Burlington Free Press, a part of the USA TODAY Network, Kapitanski was driving approximately 40 mph in a 35 mph zone. More significantly, investigators discovered that a YouTube video was playing on a computer-mounted tablet in his cruiser moments before the collision. The video, identified by the police department’s IT team, was titled "Trans woman CONFRONTING Matt Walsh takes UNEXPECTED turn."

The charging document, penned by Vermont State Police Detective Sgt. Steven Gelder, paints a damning picture. It states that Kapitanski’s car-mounted tablet displayed a web browser with the YouTube video actively playing. Furthermore, the document alleges that Kapitanski attempted to conceal his YouTube usage in the immediate aftermath of the crash. "Kapitanski’s hand can be seen changing the tablet’s display screen, after the collision, from the YouTube website to Valcour, which is a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) screen," the document asserts. This alleged attempt to cover up his actions has fueled further scrutiny and suspicion.

Sean Hayes, the victim of the collision, was reportedly pushing a bicycle with an attached trailer along the curb of the road when he was struck from behind. Tragically, Hayes did not have reflective gear or lights on his bike or trailer, which may become a factor in the legal proceedings. He died at the scene from blunt force trauma. The impact of Hayes’ death has reverberated throughout the Burlington community, prompting calls for justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The crash report obtained by the Burlington Free Press further revealed that Kapitanski did not stop immediately after the collision. His brakes were activated approximately 85 feet past the point of impact, suggesting a delayed reaction time. This delay, coupled with the excessive speed and the presence of the YouTube video, has led investigators to conclude that Kapitanski was operating his vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.

Following the investigation by Vermont State Police, Kapitanski was issued a felony citation last month. His arraignment for the charge of grossly negligent operation with death resulting is scheduled to take place on March 13. If convicted, Kapitanski could face up to 15 years in prison. The severity of the potential sentence reflects the gravity of the charges against him and the devastating consequences of his alleged actions.

In response to the charge, Kapitanski’s attorney, David Sleigh, issued a statement to the Burlington Free Press indicating his intention to challenge the charge. Sleigh argued that the evidence presented does not constitute the charge of grossly negligent operation with death resulting. He is expected to argue that other factors, such as the lack of reflective gear on Hayes’ bike and trailer, may have contributed to the accident. The legal battle is expected to be complex and contentious, with both sides presenting evidence and arguments to support their respective positions.

The incident has also raised questions about the use of technology in police vehicles and the potential for distraction. While computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems are essential tools for law enforcement, the presence of internet-enabled tablets raises concerns about officers engaging in non-essential activities while on duty. This case highlights the need for clear policies and training regarding the use of technology in police vehicles to prevent distractions and ensure the safety of both officers and the public.

Kapitanski has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This is a standard procedure in cases involving serious allegations against law enforcement officers. The administrative leave allows the police department to conduct a thorough internal review of the incident and determine whether any departmental policies or procedures were violated.

The case has attracted significant attention from both local and national media outlets. The Burlington Free Press, as part of the USA TODAY Network, has been closely following the story and providing comprehensive coverage of the investigation and legal proceedings. The incident has also sparked discussions on social media and in online forums, with many people expressing outrage and demanding accountability.

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for law enforcement in Vermont and beyond. A conviction would send a strong message that distracted driving by police officers will not be tolerated. It could also lead to changes in policies and procedures regarding the use of technology in police vehicles. Conversely, an acquittal could raise concerns about the accountability of law enforcement officers and the fairness of the justice system.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus will remain on determining the truth about what happened in the early morning hours of November 11, 2024. The prosecution will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Kapitanski’s actions constituted grossly negligent operation and that his negligence directly caused the death of Sean Hayes. The defense will likely argue that other factors contributed to the accident and that Kapitanski’s actions did not rise to the level of criminal negligence. The case is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of distracted driving and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The family of Sean Hayes and the community of Burlington await the outcome, hoping for justice and a measure of closure in the wake of this tragic loss. The case also prompts a wider conversation about police conduct, accountability, and the responsible use of technology within law enforcement agencies.