PD: Mom Tried to Cover for Son After Fatal Crash

Police say Thomas Velde Jr. was the driver of the vehicle, but his mother, Lisa Velde, allegedly told police she was the operator

Vermont State Police have arrested a mother and her son after they say she tried to cover for her son following a fatal crash.

Troopers responded to the crash on Gulf Road in Tinmouth Friday and found Leo Branchaud was struck in the roadway near his residence. Branchaud died from his injuries.

Police say Thomas Velde Jr. was the driver of the vehicle, but his mother, Lisa Velde, allegedly told police she was the operator.

Police say they determined that to be a lie and found Thomas Velde at his grandmother’s house Monday night.

He was taken into custody and charged with Careless and Negligent Operation Death Resulting, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Driving with a Criminally Suspended License. He was held on $20,000 bail.

Lisa Velde was charged with False Information to a Police Officer and was scheduled to appear in court April 25.

It was not immediately known if either suspect has an attorney.

The crash remains under investigation.

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