BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A police standoff in Burlington’s Old North End today has been resolved after 6 hours of negotiations.
Burlington Police say an armed man ran into T-Ruggs bar near the corner of Elmwood Avenue and North Street at around 2:15 p.m.
It all started when the man, identified as 23-year-old Tyshawn Lee, who was already wanted by police, was approached by a police officer who told him he was under arrest for violating his conditions of release and identity theft.
Mr. Lee backed away and produced two cutting instruments, one of which he held to his own neck, and the other he pointed at the officer. The officer attempting the arrest then drew his firearm, and Lee ran away into the tavern.
The bar was occupied by several patrons, most of whom fled the bar, but two people—a man and a woman—were trapped inside as Lee barricaded himself inside. A five-hour standoff ensued.
Police blocked streets and nearby schools were placed on lockdown.
At around 7:15 p.m., the woman was able to escape. The male hostage began to fight Mr. Lee as a tactical service unit entered the bar.
They got the man out and used a flash bang to distract and subdue him. Lee was taken into custody on an array of charges.
Police discovered several Molotov cocktails in the bar that Lee had made.
Lee was taken to the UVM Medical Center for treatment and evaluation.
