Suspect attacking woman in presence of her children, police say
Burlington police say a homeless man is being held without bail after allegedly assaulting a woman, threatening a firefighter with a knife, and resisting arrest Friday evening on North Avenue near Gosse Court.
According to police, firefighters witnessed 29-year-old Wayne M. Butchino III violently assaulting a woman while the pair were accompanied by young children.
When the ranking firefighter confronted him, Butchino allegedly threatened the firefighter with a large hunting-style knife. A passing motorist stopped to help, and the two men restrained the suspect for more than two minutes until police arrived.
Police said Butchino continued to resist officers during his arrest. Investigators recovered the knife at the scene. He was ordered held without bail pending a July 20 arraignment and is expected to face charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic assault in the presence of a child, and resisting arrest.
Final charges will be determined by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office.