SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (LOCAL NEWS WIRE) – A plea deal is expected for Shelburne Police Sgt. Kyle Kapitanski, accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist in November.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on November 11, when Kapitanski struck 38-year-old Sean Hayes on Shelburne Road. Hayes died as a result of the accident.
According to independent journalist Mike Donoghue, the state and Kapitanski have agreed to a plea that could reduce the felony charge of gross negligent operation to a misdemeanor, potentially avoiding jail time.
WCAX has also confirmed the report. Prosecutors contend that Kapitanski was speeding and that a YouTube video was playing on his in-car tablet at the time. His attorney disputes allegations that Kapitanski was watching the video.
Kapitanski has been on paid leave since the incident. He previously pleaded not guilty to the original felony charge, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail. A judge must still approve the plea deal.
A change of plea hearing is scheduled for Thursday.