BRADFORD, Vt. (WCAX) – What started as a nonsuspicious missing person’s case has turned into a criminal investigation focused on a rural Vermont home.
The Vermont State Police major crimes unit was at the Bradford home on Wednesday for the second straight day. Police could be seen going to and from the home on Old Post Road as they searched the property.
Investigators say they are looking for evidence connected to the disappearance of Corey Crooker, 43, who was last seen on Jan. 9.
Along with the Major Crimes Unit, the Bureau of Criminal Investigations is also on the case.
“There’s been a concern for a number of years. It seems to be the criminal activity is increasing,” said Gary Moore, the chair of the Bradford Public Safety Commission.
At this time we do not know Crooker’s ties to the home. When he went missing last month, police said he had no fixed address but was known to frequent Bradford. Several missing person signs with his picture on them were posted up and down the road.
Police are not saying why they believe Crooker’s disappearance could be criminal other than to say evidence is leading them in that direction.
“The violence is something we never used to see,” Moore said. “You’ve seen the press releases, both the state police and local police are really working hard.”
While scenes like this do not surprise him anymore, Moore underscores the point that community members need to look out for each other.
“The public needs to continue to be vigilant, to watch out for their neighbors, to report suspicious activity,” he urged.
At this time police, are offering no additional details about the investigation. However, they are asking anyone with tips that could aid the investigation to contact the state police in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3111 or to leave an anonymous tip online.