On November 20, 2014 at approximately 6:10 P.M., officers from the Burlington Police Department responded to the Salvation Army located at 64 Main St. for a report of a fight outside.
Upon arrival, Officers were advised of a physical fight that occurred in front of the facility. The two male suspects were still on scene, identified as Robert Lesson and Thomas Donahue, both listed as transients from Burlington. Further investigation revealed that Lesson had assaulted a staff member at the Salvation Army while inside the establishment.
While officers were detaining Lesson, he became agitated and attempted to strike one of the officers which led to officers placing him under arrest, to which he resisted. While officers worked at securing Lesson they were approached and distracted numerous times by Donahue, thus impeding their abilities to effectuate the arrest. Following a brief struggle other officers were summoned to assist; both subjects were subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Burlington police station.
Due to Donahue's agitated and combative state he was transported to the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility on an emergency affidavit for the charges of Disorderly Conduct, Simple Assault on a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest. Robert Lesson was transported to The University of Vermont Medical Center by Burlington Fire Rescue personnel for evaluation and treatment of a facial laceration received during the incident. Lesson was later lodged at Corrections for Impeding a Public Officer, Hindering Arrest and Violation of Conditions of Release.
No staff members of the Salvation Army were injured nor were any police officers.
