By Guy Page
A Winooski man cited on Nov. 5 for stealing and crashing a Burlington ambulance sent to save his life was found dead in a vehicle on East Lakeshore Drive Friday, January 26. Colchester police say evidence points to a drug overdose.
Police responded to the scene at about 4:39 PM after receiving reports of an unresponsive person. Upon arrival, they confirmed that Mitchell Bissonnette, 39, was dead.
Preliminary evidence suggests the death may be due to a drug overdose. However, the official cause and manner of death are pending, awaiting a final determination from the Chief Medical Examiner’s office. The investigation into Bissonnette’s death is ongoing.
In November, the Burlington Firefighters Association released this statement: “Last Sunday night (Nov. 5) while on scene at a suspected overdose, the ambulance was stolen by the individual who was reported to have overdosed. The ambulance was located down the road, abandoned and crashed into a parked car. Witnesses report the individual exited the ambulance while it was still in drive. Luckily it was a low speed crash with minor damage and no one was injured. This is definitely a new low for Burlington. It also appears that this individual was cited and released on the condition that they show up for court the next day.”
Mitchell Bissonette was cited for grand larceny, operating without owner’s consent, and negligent operation of a vehicle.
Vermonters experiencing substance abuse may call 2-1-1 or reach out for help at the Vermont Addiction Hotline.