Crime & Public Safety
Monday, May 4, 2026 · Bennington
Burlington Man Faces Federal Charges After Armed Robbery Spree
Eric Edson has been arrested and charged federally following an armed robbery at a Burlington store where he allegedly threatened to kill an employee. The incident is part of a larger crime spree that has drawn scrutiny from Vermont State Police across multiple counties.
Jury Acquits Springfield Man in 2022 Drug-Fueled Killing
Nearly four years after gunfire shattered Springfield's quiet streets, a Windsor County jury cleared Paul Lachapelle Jr. of murdering Justin Gilliam. The not guilty verdict ended a two-year probe into alleged drug trafficking and a murder-for-hire plot. Gilliam's family left court in tears as Lachapelle walked free Thursday.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Burlington PD Nabs Man in 20+ Bike Theft Spree Near Church Street
Burlington police have arrested a local man linked to more than 20 bicycle thefts from racks around the bustling Church Street Marketplace, recovering most of the stolen rides. The crackdown comes amid rising bike theft complaints in Vermont's largest city, where cycling is a daily lifeline for commuters and tourists alike. Authorities hailed the recovery as a major win for downtown safety.
Monday, May 4, 2026