Vt. man accused of crushing cruisers charged again

[September 19, 2012]  NEWPORT, Vt. (AP) -- A Vermont man charged with driving a tractor over seven police vehicles and crushing them is facing another charge.

The Orleans County court says Roger Pion (PEE'-on) was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of driving with a suspended license.

Pion already faced 14 criminal counts after police say he drove his dad's tractor over six cruisers and a van at the county sheriff's department in Derby on Aug. 2.

Police say he then drove the tractor toward downtown Newport before they stopped him. They say he had been angry over a previous arrest for marijuana possession.

Pion has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He received financial support from people worldwide after his arrest. He thanked them when he left a correctional facility last month and said he had no regrets.

His lawyer says the latest charge "seems gratuitous."

[Associated Press]

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