Burlington Man Faces Federal Charges After Armed Robbery Spree

Eric Edson now faces federal charges stemming from an armed robbery at the Sierra Store on Shelburne Road in Burlington on August 24th, according to court documents. Police say Edson stole more than $350 worth of merchandise from the store, and when a worker attempted to stop him, he allegedly threatened the employee, saying he would "blow his head off." Edson fled the scene, prompting employees to contact Burlington police.

The arrest came days after the initial incident. On August 30th, Burlington police officers located Edson, but the confrontation escalated when he allegedly assaulted two officers with his vehicle before driving away. He was arrested approximately one week later.

The Burlington robbery is connected to a broader investigation by Vermont State Police into multiple armed robberies targeting convenience stores across southeastern Vermont counties. Police have indicated the incidents may be part of a coordinated crime spree, though authorities emphasize the Burlington robbery appears to be an isolated and targeted incident. Court filings reveal investigators are treating the cases as interconnected criminal activity spanning the region.

Police have described suspects involved in related robberies as armed and dangerous. The federal charges against Edson reflect the severity of the allegations, which include robbery, assault on law enforcement, and weapons-related threats.