Burlington Police say they have apprehended a suspect involved in at least two brutal assaults in Burlington.

Antonio A. Hammond Jr, 18, is the primary suspect in two assaults that took place on August 9 and August 18 respectively. Hammond Jr. is well known to police with well over 100 previous police encounters.

In the first incident, Hammond Jr. is alleged to have participated in the beating of an unsuspecting victim. Hammond Jr. is alleged to have stomped on the victim’s head repeatedly, causing extensive injuries.

The second incident occurred about 2 weeks later, when another victim reported to police on foot patrol that he had been attacked by a group of juveniles. He too was repeatedly kicked in the head by a group which is alleged to have included Hammond Jr..

Burlington Police received an alert in the early hours of September 13 of a group of apparent juveniles drinking and fighting near the Burlington Harbor Marina.

Police responded and identified Hammond Jr. in a nearby vehicle, who had a warrant for his arrest related to the previous assault incidents. Hammon Jr. was asked to step out of the vehicle and placed in handcuffs. As police searched the vehicle, he became uncooperative and was taken to the ground.

Hammond Jr. was taken to police headquarters and ordered held on $5,000 bail by a judge.

Gas station robbery

On September 14, Vermont State Police received a report of a burglary at the Arandas III gas station and convenience store in Waterbury.

It was determined that 2 individuals drove up to the store, one of the men proceeded to break a glass window with a large rock and steal Loon vape products.

The man ran back to the car and the pair drove off. Police say there are several similarities to a burglary that occurred at CrossRoads Beverage and Deli on August 8.

Further investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Trooper Benjamin Goodwin at the Berlin Barracks at (802) 229-9191. Anonymous tips may be provided online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

Serial thief suspect apprehended

Vermont State Police have arrested a woman accused of multiple thefts in the Whitingham / Wardsboro region.

Sarah R. Galaske, 45, of Whitingham is accused of 9 counts of credit card fraud, 4 counts of petit larceny, possession of stolen property, possession of fentanyl, and burglary.

Galaske was arrested and processed on 09/12/2024, she was released on citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court – Windham Criminal Division on 11/12/2024.

Stolen tattoo machine

A Spektra Plus Wireless Tattoo Machine was stolen on September 10 from a tattoo parlor in Randolph.

The burglary occurred at the Ink & Iron Tattoo LTD. Police say the unidentified suspect gained entry through an unsecured section of the building.

The matter is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Trooper Flores of the VSP Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or submit an anonymous tip at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

Sex offender fails to report

Glen Gilman of Braintree was found to be non-compliant with his responsibilities to report for the Sex Offender Registry.

Annually, around the time of the sex offender’s birthday, sex offenders are required to update their picture and address information. Gilman had not met these requirements.

Gilman was issued a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court, Orange County Criminal Division on 10/23/2024. 

Dogs cause vehicle-pedestrian crash

On September 11, Vermont State Police responded to a car accident involving a pedestrian on Lake Dunmore Road near Fernville Road in the Town of Leicester.

Timothy Lester, 54, was walking on the side of the northbound lane while an unnamed driver was traveling normally on the road.

At that same moment, several dogs from a nearby residence ran into the roadway in front of the driver. To avoid hitting the dogs the driver swerved into the northbound lane and struck Lester.

Lester was transported by helicopter to the UVM Medical Center and is currently in stable condition.

Due to a lack of reflective gear worn by Lester, combined with the darkness and loose dogs in the roadway, the driver was not found to be in violation of any criminal or civil statutes. The Town of Leicester was notified of the uncontrolled dogs.

Troopers were assisted on scene by the Leicester Fire Department and Middlebury Regional EMS.