Howard Center won't answer questions on I-89 crash

A Burlington mental health organization that was asked to screen Steven Bourgoin — the man who, according to police, later caused a quintuple-fatal car crash, stole a police cruiser and slammed into numerous other vehicles — is commenting publicly on the incident for the first time.

In a statement Wednesday night, the Howard Center said it is cooperating with the Vermont State Police's investigation into the late Saturday tragedy that killed five Mad River Valley teenagers and left numerous other people injured on Interstate 89 in Williston.

"State Police personnel have contacted us, and we are cooperating with their investigation," the organization said in written remarks. "Our efforts are directed towards ensuring that the facts of this case are determined and shared in a manner that is respectful of the victims’ families and others impacted by this tragedy."

Bourgoin, 36, of Williston remained hospitalized Wednesday in fair condition. He has been arrested on charges related to the theft of a Williston police cruiser following the fatal crash and is the primary suspect as the authorities build a murder case arising from the teens' deaths, prosecutors have said.

Bourgoin had visited the University of Vermont Medical Center emergency room Saturday morning, entering the emergency room on three occasions within about two and a half hours, according to court papers. A physician's assistant saw Bourgoin and referred him to the Howard Center. The Howard Center never provided screening for Bourgoin, court papers state.

The Howard Center's statement Wednesday makes no mention of the facts outlined in court documents, nor does it address why no screening was provided for Bourgoin.

Howard Center Director of Development and Communications Denise Vignoe did not immediately respond to an email after business hours Wednesday seeking additional information. The email asked four questions:

• The statement says the Howard Center is cooperating with the state police. In what ways are you cooperating?
• Court papers outline a sequence of events in which Steven Bourgoin was seen at UVMMC and referred to the Howard Center for screening, which was never provided. Why does the statement make no mention of the facts as outlined in court documents?
• Why did the Howard Center never screen Mr. Bourgoin on the day in question?
• Has the Howard Center retained counsel in connection with this matter? If so, why? 

Vignoe called the Burlington Free Press on Thursday to say she was unable to answer any of the questions.

"We have made our statement, and that’s all I have at this point," she said. When asked whether the authorities had requested the Howard Center remain circumspect, Vignoe added: "I really can’t make any comments."

Fund established for families of crash victims

The full statement from the Howard Center is below:

"Numerous requests from the media and others for information related to the individual allegedly responsible for the horrific automobile crash that claimed five teenage lives last Saturday night prompt us to publicly respond.

"First, all of us at Howard Center extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims’ family members, friends, larger school communities and all of those who are living through this tragedy. Their heartbreak is palpable.

"Second, the Vermont State Police is in the midst of conducting its investigation into this incident. As part of their work, State Police personnel have contacted us, and we are cooperating with their investigation. Our efforts are directed towards ensuring that the facts of this case are determined and shared in a manner that is respectful of the victims’ families and others impacted by this tragedy.

"In the meantime, our Howard Center crisis teams remain available to our community 24/7/365: Mobile Crisis for adults at: 802-488-6400 and First Call for children and families at: 802-488-7777. Additionally, we have resources listed on our website to help with grief, loss, and tragedy at www.howardcenter.org."

This story was first posted online on Oct. 12, 2016, and has been updated. Contact Adam Silverman at asilverman@freepressmedia.com and 802-660-1854. Follow him on Twitter at @wej12. 

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