UPDATE: Missing Duxbury man found safe; tips help resolve trespass inquiry
July 22, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti9:30 p.m.: Vermont State Police issued an updated news release saying that Clifford Bennett, 74, who was missing from Duxbury, was located in Williston this evening just before 7 p.m. and that he is safe.
1:15 p.m. UPDATE - Regarding the trespass inquiry from Vermont State Police on Tuesday, Trooper Nozka shared this additional notice on Wednesday: The involved individuals have been identified, and it was determined that no crime has been committed. The Vermont State Police would like to thank the numerous members of the public who sent tips and assisted in the investigation. No other information is needed at this time.
NOON updates:
1.) State police continue to investigate the disappearance of Clifford Bennett, reported missing from Duxbury. It was reported Bennett was seen around 11:30 a.m. at a business in Waterbury where witnesses said he was wearing a white collared shirt and blue jeans. Police also shared photos of Bennett's vehicle with a dent, missing paint, and a windshield crack. (see below)
2.) State police also say they have received information regarding the trespass report below that suggests the matter may be a misunderstanding. They will follow up on those leads; this post will be updated when more details are available. The photos shared with the initial news release have been removed below.
Vermont State Police are seeking help from the public in two cases from Duxbury: locating a missing 74-year-old man and identifying two trespassers who reportedly entered an occupied home.
In two separate news releases on Tuesday, troopers shared details.
Missing man
Clifford Bennett
Shortly before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, state police received a report that Clifford Bennett, age 74, was missing after not returning to his home on Dowsville Road in South Duxbury.
Bennett left on Monday afternoon and has not been seen or heard from since, according to police. He was last seen driving a black 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan with Vermont license KZR962.
Bennett is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, about 180 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes. Investigators do not know what clothing he was wearing when he left home.
The situation is not considered suspicious, but there is concern for his welfare, police said.
Anyone with information on Bennett’s location is asked to call the Vermont State Police at the Berlin barracks at 802-229-9191.
Trespassing report
Also on Monday, state police received a report of an unlawful trespass in the Duxfarm Estates neighborhood in Duxbury, according to a news release by Trooper Alyssa Nozka.
Shortly after 7:30 p.m., residents told police that a man and woman unknown to them entered the home which was occupied at the time, and then left. Trooper Nozka shared several images of the individuals with the press release.
Anyone with information related to this incident or about the identities of the individuals in the pictures is encouraged to contact Trooper Nozka at the Berlin barracks at 802-229-9191. Anonymous tips also may be provided online.