HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/17/2019 - Suspicious Event - 19SB006268
19 Gregory Drive, Suite 1, South Burlington, Vermont 05403
Dispatch 846-4111 • Records 846-4160 • Administration 846-4165
MEDIA RELEASE
INCIDENT TYPE: DATE/TIME REPORTED:
Suspicious Event June 17th, 2019 at 3:11 PM
INCIDENT NUMBER: LOCATION:
19SB006268 55 Joy Drive
INVESTIGATOR: INVESTIGATOR CONTACT:
Sgt. Chris Bataille cbataille@southburlingtonpolice.org
AUTHOR: APPROVED BY:
Chief Shawn P. Burke Chief Shawn P. Burke
NARRATIVE:
On the listed date and time South Burlington Police were called to the Roman Catholic Diocese located at 55 Joy Drive
for a suspicious package. Arriving officers discovered a package that had characteristics of an improvised explosive
device located in one of the exterior alcoves. The building and affected outdoor scene were immediately evacuated
while South Burlington Fire and the Vermont State Police were called to the scene.
Investigators learned that a male subject had arrived at the Diocese asking to speak with the Bishop. The male
presented in ways that made the staff feel unsettled, described as behavior associated with someone experiencing a
crisis event. This male left behind the package before leaving the property prompting staff to call the police. Using
video sources and witness accounts, investigators identified the male subject and a “be on the lookout” was
broadcasted to area law enforcement. During the course of the investigation the male subject called the Vermont
State Police to offer more details about the message and package he wanted the Diocese to have. Through this
process South Burlington Police Detectives were able to meet with the male subject and subsequently interviewed
him at length. Investigators determined that the male did not intend to threaten or harm anyone and learned more
about the contents of the package.
The Vermont State Police Bomb Squad used their technology and expertise to determine that the suspicious package
was not an explosive, or hazardous in anyway. The findings of VSP confirmed what the male subject had shared with
investigators. It was determined that the male subject had no criminal intent but the manner in which he presented;
the suspicious package he left behind, and the erratic behavior he displayed with investigators warranted the
response of public safety witnessed yesterday. No criminal referrals are being made in this case, the male subject was
given referrals to local support networks for his crisis symptoms. We are thankful to our partner agency, the
Vermont State Police, for their expertise which rendered the scene safe in a very short period of time. Additional
thanks to the Joy Drive neighborhood for their cooperation as the public safety operation disrupted foot and vehicle
traffic flow.
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