Burlington police nab suspect in Church Street daylight robbery

Burlington Police officers quickly apprehended a suspect following a brazen daylight robbery in the Downtown Marketplace on Wednesday morning.

At approximately 10:16 a.m., officers on routine foot patrol were alerted by a witness to an assault and robbery at a nearby ATM. The victim, a 72-year-old man, was withdrawing money when Melody Phillips, 39, of Shelburne, allegedly attacked him. Phillips grabbed the victim’s hand, causing him to fall, and then forcibly took his wallet and cash before fleeing.

Officers established a perimeter and began canvassing the area. By 12:18 p.m., Phillips was located in Winooski and taken into custody without incident.

In court, the Deputy State’s Attorney requested a curfew for Phillips due to safety concerns. However, the judge noted Phillips was unhoused and did not set a curfew. The Deputy State’s Attorney opted not to request bail. Phillips was released with conditions to avoid contact with the victim and stay off Church Street.

Peacham man arrested after assaulting firefighter and resisting arrest

A Peacham man is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting a firefighter responding to a crash scene on Monday night.

The incident unfolded around 10:34 p.m. on July 10th when Vermont State Police troopers were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle crash on Mills Trace Road in Peacham. While on the scene, firefighters from the Peacham Fire Department informed the troopers that a man, later identified as 34-year-old Christopher Costa of Peacham, had assaulted a Danville firefighter who was working the active scene. Costa then reportedly fled to his nearby residence.

Troopers quickly responded to Costa’s home, where they encountered an extremely aggressive and uncooperative individual. As they attempted to detain Costa, he began actively resisting arrest. After a brief struggle, troopers were able to place Costa in handcuffs and take him into custody.

The Danville firefighter, identified as 53-year-old Troy Cochran, was assessed at the scene but did not require medical treatment.

Costa was transported to the Vermont State Police Barracks in St. Johnsbury where he was processed on charges of Assault on a Protected Profession, Criminal Threatening, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest. He was then transported to the Northeast Correctional Complex on $5,000 bail.

Costa is scheduled to appear in the Caledonia County Superior Court – Criminal Division on July 11 at 12:30 p.m. to face the charges.

Burlington man arrested in major drug bust

A significant drug bust in Burlington has led to the arrest of Melvin Hill, following an extensive investigation by the Burlington Police Department (BPD) Drug Unit, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal partners.

In early 2022, the BPD Drug Unit initiated an investigation into Melvin Hill, suspected of distributing fentanyl in the Burlington area. Utilizing a confidential source, the BPD successfully completed two controlled purchases of fentanyl, confirming Hill’s involvement in drug trafficking.

The BPD Drug Unit, along with the Emergency Response Unit, coordinated with the DEA to devise a strategic plan to apprehend Hill while ensuring the safety of the public, Hill, and the officers involved. The operation culminated in Hill’s arrest without incident. During the arrest, Hill was found in possession of a loaded firearm and crack cocaine.

Subsequent searches of Hill’s hotel room, vehicle, and storage unit uncovered a substantial cache of illegal substances, including large quantities of fentanyl, a second firearm, and approximately one pound of pure methamphetamine. The discovery of these items underscores the severity of Hill’s criminal activities and the potential threat posed to the community.

Sergeant Phil Tremblay of the BPD’s Detective Services Bureau commented on the successful operation, stating, “This is a great example of a case that started with our BPD Drug Unit and gained momentum with our partnerships with DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”