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An elderly Burlington man is being held without bail after police say he fired three shots at a contractor parked in his driveway.
On July 7, at 7:51 PM Burlington Police were called to the area of 11 Johnson Street for reported gunfire.
Police say a contractor had parked their van in the driveway of 11 Johnson Street while they were working at a nearby building. A resident of 11 Johnson Street, Paul Provost, 83, took exception to the parking situation and confronted the contractor.
When the contractor did not respond to Provost’s demands to move the van, Provost presented a small caliber handgun and fired two rounds into the ground near the van.
The contractor retreated and sought shelter at the property where they were working. Moments later, the contractor emerged from where they had sought shelter only to see Provost again. Provost fired his handgun into the ground a third time while making a threatening statement to the contractor.
Officers were able to establish a perimeter around 11 Johnson Street. As officers were on scene, Provost appeared from the doorway of his residence and was taken into custody without incident. Provost was subsequently lodged, held without bail, and will be arraigned today on charges of Aggravated Assault and Reckless Endangerment.
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Categories: Public Safety
Unpopular opinion: why couldn’t the contractor just move his vehicle after seeing how upset Mr. Provost was?
Because he likely had a job to do and was invited there by the landlord.
It looks like “David davis” needs an education in basic individual human rights, and in basic common Courtesy. And by the way, the litmus test for “reckless endangerment” is that you have to point a loaded gun AT someone. This gentleman gave warning shots. How did the “contractor” know that the elderly man didn’t need to get out of his driveway to go to the hospital? Or maybe the elderly man was expecting a meal delivery? I was a contractor for more than 20 years in and around Chittenden county. First of all, I would never dare park and block the neighbor of my customer’s driveway. Second, If asked by my customer’s neighbor for a small favor, I would do it immediately without hesitation. These are not just common sense business practices, they are things we do for our neighbors out of respect and moral obligation.
Yes, old man gave warning shots. Unfortunately for him discharging any firearm—including rifles, pistols, or air guns—is strictly prohibited under Chapter 21 of the Burlington Code of Ordinances.
Ridiculous to defend and rationalize such idiotic, dangerous and unnecessary behavior.
Contractor could have asked.
If he’s invited by the landlord he shouldn’t need or be expected to ask.
Did not know they were all tenants.
Apparently, the contractor had no right to be parked there.
It’s a rental unit with multiple tenants.
Old man should’ve called the landlord or the police.
David Davis, the article says the contractor was working at a nearby building, not at 11 Johnson Street.
Renee,
The landlord that owns the 11 Johnson St. property also owns multiple other rental properties on and adjacent to Johnson St.
If the contractor was truly invited by the landlord he’s free to park in any of those rental properties’ driveways regardless of where the work is being done.
Your property rights are gone in Vermont. This could have been handled a little different with a bulldozer.
Who’s property rights? The landlord??
This landlord owns multiple rental properties on Johnson St.
In Vermont a renter cannot legally force a landlord’s hired contractor to leave a multi-unit driveway if the contractor was authorized to be there.
If the contractor was truly invited by the landlord he’s free to park in any of those rental properties’ driveways regardless of where the work is being done.
So according to “David davis”, the contractors does not need to honor the dignity of the human beings who live in that apartment complex. Contractor only needs to grovel up to the “landlord” for shekels at the end of the job. This is not the society that I grew up in, nor is the society that I will allow.
Does “S. Adam Manley” not honor the dignity of the other tenets living in that rental complex? The ones whose seemingly urgent needs warranted an invited visit from a wastewater specialist after business hours??
Does “S. Adam Manley” not honor the dignity of the other city residents by endorsing such foolish behavior as firing off rounds in anger in public spaces. Old man is lucky his reckless discharge didn’t hurt anyone.
Not excusing the firing of the weapon, but if it had been a BIPOC criminal that fired the gun, they probably would have been released, and Sarah George probably would not prosecute. There is a lack of equal justice under the law.
By your valid reasoning, we can assume that Mr. Provost is White and yes, denied bail for the moment for that reason by our racist State’s Attorney. Also, not defending the firing of a gun for a parking misunderstanding. If this had occurred in a desolate, rural area in the wee hours, maybe, but not in Burlington. Sounds like a Clint Eastwood, “get off my lawn” scenario. Mr. Provost likely forfeited his Second Amendment rights by his uppity response that could have been easily solved with words.
David Davis got no likes!
Pretty telling really.
Commentators here at VDC siding with the actions of a trigger happy tenant over the afforded rights of a landlord and the obligations of a hired contractor.
Imagine parking where your boss tells you to, only to have an angry customer fire off a few rounds in your direction…That’s the irresponsible behavior that is getting the “likes” around here.
Plot twist: “David davis”, who doesn’t know how to punctuate properly, is the contractor!
Gina,
This is America.
Commas and periods go inside the quotation marks when punctuating using American English. Do you yourself not know how to punctuate properly?
But keep digging for other critiques if you can’t argue against my relevant comments.
I hasten to add that my last comment was just a passing amusing thought, and I have no idea if it is true or not.
WOW, now we get the rest of the story.