Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE
13BU16378 / July 1, 2013 / 69 Spring St. / Authorized by: Chief Michael E. Schirling
Preliminary information is as follows:

On July 1, 2013 at approximately 5:35 pm Burlington Police received a report of several youth discharging a bb gun. Initial reports indicated that female neighbor yelled at the youth to stop at which time they discharged the BB gun at her and she heard the round travel past her head.

When the initial officer, Sgt. Brad Trombley, arrived the youth went into the house with the gun and at least one emerged from the back of the house. As the officer advised the juvenile, later identified as 16 year old Hassan Williams of Burlington, that he would have to remain at the scene while investigation continued, Williams and his brother (who is 15 years old) began fighting with the officer, screaming that they were going to kill him. As Sgt. Trombley held off the attack the youth removed his portable radio and threw it away from the altercation. Meanwhile, other youth who were inside the house were yelling that they were going to shoot the officer.

During the altercation Sgt. Trombleys’ uniform shirt was torn, a pocket was ripped off, he was struck several times, and received a bite wound to his forearm. The aggressors were sprayed with pepper spray, which had little effect.

It was only when Sgt. Trombley drew his firearm that the altercation calmed enough for him to find and retrieve his radio and call for assistance. The fight continued and an adult, Susalyn Kirkland, attempted to stop Sgt. Trombley from affecting an arrest. Numerous additional officers responded to the scene.

Hassan Williams, Kirkland, and the juvenile were all taken into custody and transported from the scene.

Sgt. Trombley was transported to the Fletcher Allen Emergency Department where he was treated and released.

Investigation is continuing and information about charges is not expected until later tonight. Kirkland and Williams are expected to be arraigned on July 2.

UPDATE
Update to Incident 13BU016378

Following a lengthy investigation the following individuals have been arrested in connection with last night’s incident on Spring St.

JUVENILE [name withheld] age 15 of Burlington – charged with Impeding a Public Officer, Disorderly Conduct, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Arrest. Lodged at Woodside Juvenile Detention Facility. He will appear in Juvenile Court today.

HASAN WILLIAMS age 16 of Burlington – charged with Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest. Hasan was also lodged at Woodside and will be arraigned in criminal court today at 1 pm.

HIEHEEM KIRKLAND age 21 of Burlington – charged with Impeding a Public Officer and Obstruction of Justice. Lodged on $10,000 bail. Arraignment at 10:30 am is expected.

SUSALYN KIRKLAND age 56 of Burlington – charged with Impeding a Public Officer, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. Lodged on $5,000 bail and arraignment at 10:30 am is expected.

This incident continues to be investigated and more charges are forthcoming. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact Det. Dan Gilligan at 540-2247.