By Michael Donoghue
Vermont News First
Burlington Police say they are investigating an aggravated assault with a rifle butt during a major disturbance near City Hall Park early Sunday.
One shot was fired, but nobody was injured, according to police.
Burlington Police said it received a report of a shooting near St. Paul Street and College Street about 1:54 a.m.
Responding officers found a victim, whose name was not released, with a head injury.
Burlington Rescue transported the victim to the UVM Medical Center for further treatment and was eventually released, police said.
The investigation determined a large disturbance broke out on College Street near City Hall Park before an individual removed what appeared to be a rifle from his pants, Detective Lt. Mike Beliveau said.
The armed individual struck the victim in the head with the rifle and then fired a single round into the air, Beliveau said.
It was determined the injury to the victim was caused by the blunt force impact from the rifle and not the gunshot, police said.
Other involved people involved in the incident subsequently fled from police on foot, according to Beliveau, commander of the detective division.
One vehicle fled from Chittenden County law enforcement at high rates of speed, but the pursuit was eventually discontinued due to safety concerns, Beliveau said.
Ballistic evidence was collected from the scene by investigators and more evidence was being sought as detectives combed the area.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Zach Beal at zbeal@bpdvt.org or (802) 540-2364.
