Assault sends rescue worker to hospital

Alleged serial car vandal had been released on court deal two days earlier

Sunday night, a man described in news reports as having “been charged throughout Vermont with countless acts of vandalism to motor vehicles” and assaults on police was charged with punching a female emergency worker, just two days after being released from custody after a deal was struck between a prosecutor and defense attorney.

State police say that Shelburne Rescue and Police were called to Harbor Place on Rte. 7 in Shelburne at 11 PM for a male in need of medical or mental health assistance. It was reported that the male had damaged property and may be injured.

Within seconds of being contacted by rescue workers, Micael Bizuneh, 34, he attacked a Shelburne Rescue member, punching her repeatedly, state police say. The rescue member was transported to UVM Medical Center by South Burlington Rescue. A Shelburne Police Officer sustained minor injury while taking the individual into custody. Both were treated and released.

Bizuneh denied any injury. Harbor Place – described in media reports as a homeless shelter – sustained a significant amount of damage to one of the rooms, state police say. Bizuneh also kicked a cruiser, causing an indentation in the door.

Bizuneh was taken into custody by Shelburne Police and transported to the North West State Correctional Facility in St. Albans and held on $500 bail on charges of Aggravated Assault on Protected Professional, Assault of a Protected Professional with Bodily Fluids, and Felony Unlawful Mischief.

Bizuneh reportedly is due for arraignment in Chittenden County criminal court today.

According to a news story by reporter Mike Donoghue in today’s Caledonian-Record, Bizuneh last week had been found not competent to stand trial in Washington County and was released on an order on non-hospitalization. He has been charged for vehicular vandalism in many communities, including 50 damaged cars in Middlebury and 42 in St. Johnsbury. Bizuneh, formerly of Hartford CT, reportedly tells authorities he hears voices, although police dispute his claim.

https://vermontdailychronicle.com/assault-sends-rescue-worker-to-hospital/