By Guy Page

Two people are being held without bail after Burlington police say they lured a homeless man to a downtown street, stole cash from him and slashed him in the face with a box cutter.

Police said that at 3:06 AM on Saturday July 25, Shawntaya Miles, 24, and Tylor Sears, 35, lured the victim onto St. Paul Street from College Street with the intent to rob him. Investigators say the victim realized $80 had been stolen from his bag, leading to a confrontation that escalated into a physical fight between the victim and Sears.

According to police, Sears then produced a box-cutter-style knife and swung it at the victim, causing a laceration to the victim’s face.

Miles and Sears fled the area but were later arrested. Both were ordered held without bail.

Police said Miles has two prior misdemeanor convictions in Vermont. Sears has a more extensive criminal record in Vermont, including three felony convictions, 23 misdemeanor convictions and a history of failing to appear in court.

Vagrant assaulted – Also, a Burlington woman was ordered held without bail after police say she helped assault and rob a homeless woman on Church Street early Sunday morning.

According to Burlington police, a Burlington Emergency Communications specialist monitoring a city-owned security camera observed a physical fight on Church Street near City Hall at approximately 4:01 AM on July 26.

Officers responded and determined that Brittnie Beauchain, 32, and two unidentified assailants approached a homeless woman and engaged in a prolonged assault. Police allege Beauchain punched, kicked and sprayed the victim with mace before stealing her purse.

Beauchain was arrested and ordered held without bail. Police said she has one prior misdemeanor conviction in Vermont and a history of failing to appear in court.

Boat catches fire, boaters go overboard – Two people escaped without injury after their power boat caught fire on Lake Champlain Saturday afternoon, according to a WCAX news report.

Police said a mayday distress call was broadcast over the emergency marine radio channel at about 3:11 PM reporting a boat on fire with two people in the water between Stave and Valcour islands.

Officers responding by boat found the occupants had already been rescued by another vessel and were unharmed. Police were able to keep the flames in check until local fire department crews arrived and extinguished the blaze.

The power boat was declared a total loss and was towed to shore. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Clinton County, New York, Sheriff’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire.

Granville man jailed after firearm incident, assault on troopers – A Granville man is being held without bail after Vermont State Police say he pointed a firearm at another person, fired multiple rounds and assaulted officers during his arrest Sunday evening.

Troopers responded at about 5:45 PM to the area of Old Stage Road and Town Line Road after receiving a report that a man had pointed a firearm at someone. While en route, dispatchers advised that the suspect was firing shots.

Police identified the suspect as Daniel Mutchler, 42, of Granville. During the arrest, Mutchler allegedly assaulted law enforcement officers and resisted arrest.

He was taken to the Royalton Barracks for processing before being lodged at Southern State Correctional Facility without bail.

Mutchler is expected to face charges of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.

Man charged after alleged lewd conduct in Walmart parking lot – Vermont State Police arrested a Charleston man Sunday after an investigation into an alleged lewd act in the parking lot of the Derby Walmart.

Troopers said they were notified at about 6:30 PM of a suspicious incident at the store on Seymour Drive.

Investigators allege Michael Smith, 64, of Charleston, was sitting inside his vehicle in the parking lot while exposing himself and committing a lewd and lascivious act.

Smith was later located, arrested and taken to the Derby Barracks for processing. He was released with a citation to appear in Orleans County Superior Court to answer a charge of lewd and lascivious conduct.