HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/09/2019 - Assault and robbery - 19SB004797
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:
Assault and robbery May 9th, 2019 at 9:40 AM
INCIDENT NUMBER: LOCATION:
19SB004797 White Street at Airport Parkway
INVESTIGATOR: INVESTIGATOR CONTACT:
D/Sgt. G. Eno geno@southburlingtonpolice.org
AUTHOR: APPROVED BY:
Chief Shawn P. Burke Chief Shawn P. Burke
SUSPECT: AGE: CITY OF RESIDENCE:
Joseph Rougier 41 Burlington, VT
SUSPECT: AGE: CITY OF RESIDENCE
Starr Lafountaine 37 Burlington, VT
SUSPECT DISPOSITION:
Lodged
NARRATIVE:
On May 9th, 2019 at approximately 9:40 AM the South Burlington Police were called to the area of White Street and
Airport Drive for a reported carjacking. Officers learned that a male suspect flagged down a rental car, brandished a
pistol while demanding the car. The male suspect was accompanied by a female accomplice who was unarmed but
also making threats at the victim demanding the car. The victim, and sole occupant, turned over the vehicle at which
time the suspects fled the area.
Officers converged on the neighborhood and were able to locate the stolen car abandoned near the intersection of
White Street and Williston Road. By piecing together witness accounts and Officer’s observations the suspects were
spotted as they were travelling on foot near the intersection of Williston Road and Dorset St. Officers made contact
with the suspects, finding that the male suspect had the pistol in his waistband. The Officers were able to contain the
suspects, evacuate a local business, and take steps to take the suspects into custody safely. The male suspect was
non-compliant, asked the Officers to shoot him, and was eventually subdued with the use of a “Taser”. The Officers
showed tremendous restraint; used excellent verbal communication skills, tactics, and equipment to bring this very
tense situation to an end without having to use lethal force.
The suspects were formally identified as Joseph Rougier (41 YOA) and Starr Lafountaine (37 YOA) both of Burlington.
The motivation for stealing the car at gun point has yet to become clear in the investigation. Officers and
investigators made observations of Rougier and Lafountaine that suggest the pair were under the influence of
stimulant drugs. Rougier and Lafountaine will be charged with Assault and robbery, Carrying a deadly weapon in the
commission of a felony which are both felony crimes. Both suspects will be arraigned tomorrow in Chittenden
Superior Court – Criminal Division.
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