(This story was updated Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.)
The designated mental health agency in Chittenden County says it is cooperating with a police investigation of a man accused of a wrong-way driving crash that killed five teenagers and injured several other people.
Authorities have said the agency, Howard Center, was contacted about Steven Bourgoin, 36, hours before he allegedly drove the wrong way on Interstate 89 late Saturday night.
Bourgoin is accused of driving the Toyota Tacoma that crashed into the teens’ car, then stealing a Williston Police Department cruiser and driving it through the original crash scene.
Bourgoin sought medical attention at the emergency department of the University of Vermont Medical Center on Saturday morning, before the crash, according to court papers.
The affidavit says Howard Center was contacted about Bourgoin but did “not screen him.”
Howard Center said in a statement Wednesday that Vermont State Police investigators have been in contact with the agency in the course of their work. The agency is cooperating with law enforcement, according to the statement.
“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,” the statement continues.
The agency also extended support and sympathy to the families and communities of the victims of the crash.
“Their heartbreak is palpable,” the release states.
Bourgoin was hospitalized after the crash and remained in the hospital as of Thursday morning.
His condition has been upgraded from fair to good, a representative of UVM Medical Center confirmed Thursday. The status means his vital signs are stable within normal limits, he is conscious and is comfortable.
Bourgoin is to be arraigned Friday morning on five counts of second-degree murder, Chittenden County State’s Attorney TJ Donovan announced Thursday. Prosecutors had charged Bourgoin on Monday with misdemeanor gross negligence and felony operation of a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. He remained the primary suspect in the homicide investigation.
