Incidents

Burlington Police Department

    Incident 19

    Date Jun 01, 2020
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers William J. Drinkwine
    Description

    In July, an off-duty Drinkwine entered the home of his ex-girlfriend, who called the police, telling them Drinkwine was not allowed in her home.

    Address Swanton, VT
     

    Incident 20

    Date Jul 04, 2019
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers Brandon Del Pozo
    Description

    del Pozo harassed a local activist on social media, lied about it to the press, and then eventually admitted it and resigned when presented with evidence.

    Address Burlington, VT
     

    Incident 17

    Date Mar 11, 2019
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers Cory Campbell
    Description

    Officer Cory Campbell punched Douglas Kilburn, who died three days later. Kilburn's death was ruled a homicide, but the attorney general did not pursue charges against Campbell. Campbell had responded to a University of Vermont Medical Center call that Kilburn was irate. After Kilburn saw his wife and was in his car outside, Campbell approached Kilburn again and told him to "shut the fuck up and leave", after which Kilburn left his car, punched Campbell, and Campbell punched him back, eventually killing him.

    Address Burlington, VT
     

    Incident 13

    Date Oct 06, 2018
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers Bryan V. Kirby , Jason M. Bellavance , Cory Campbell
    Description

    Officers Bellavance, Hodges, Kirby, and Cambpell of the BPD broke Mohamed Luhizo's jaw during an arrest. In video captured from an officer's body camera, Hodges can be seen slamming his knee into Luhizo's face while Luhizo is on the ground, breaking his jaw. Luhizo, who is black, filed suit, alleging excessive force and racial bias.

    Address South Winooski Ave.
    Burlington, VT
     

    Incident 18

    Date Sep 19, 2018
    Time 12:00 AM
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers Cory Campbell , Jason M. Bellavance
    Description

    Officers Campbell and Bellavance responded to What Ale's You after a call by the bar owner. Bellavance pushes Jeremie Meli, whose head slams into a wall and is unresponsive. When his brother asks Campbell if they can stop, Campbell and Bellavance pull him the ground.

    Summary based on body cam footage from the linked article: "Meli says “you guys started the fight.” Bellavance then shoves him, and Meli falls over and slams his head into wall outside the building. A loud thump can be heard in the video, and his eyes can be seen rolling back. His brother, Albin Meli, can be heard in the video saying that Jeremie Meli was unresponsive.

    Later, after officers had handcuffed Jeremie Meli, who had regained consciousness, Albin Meli puts his hand on Officer Cory Campbell’s shoulder and asks, “I’m sorry to say this, but can you please tell them to stop?”

    Bellavance and Campbell then pull Albin Meli to the ground. Medics later arrived on the scene to treat Jeremie Meli, and were told by Bellavance he lost consciousness."

    Address Burlington, VT
     

    Incident 16

    Date Mar 21, 2016
    Time 09:15 PM
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers David C. Bowers Iv
    Description

    David Bowers shot and killed Phil Grenon after officers responded to a mental-health related call. A state report determined that the death was preventable.

    Address Burlington, VT
     

    Incident 15

    Date Sep 20, 2015
    Time 03:15 AM
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers Brian F. Labarge
    Description

    Det. Volp and Brian LaBarge shot a man twice after responding to a call in Colchester. Person shot appeared to be in a mental health crisis (threatening to shoot himself and police) according to police reports. Officers body cameras were turned off.

    Address Hawthorne Lane
    Colchester, VT