BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A repeat offender who led authorities on a week-long, multi-county manhunt last August has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges.
Eric Edson now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for a robbery he committed at the Sierra Trading Post in Burlington.
Court paperwork says Edson went to the store and stole more than $300 worth of merchandise. After being confronted by a staff member, Edson told them, “I’ll blow your head off.”
Edson still faces several charges in state court after taking off from Burlington Police using a car, stolen bicycle, paddleboard, and sailboat.
The chase extended into Lamoille and Franklin Counties, where he stole a tractor and a dump truck. He was eventually arrested in the town of Georgia after trying to escape again in a stolen Kayak.
Edson’s criminal history dates back to 1987. A hearing to agree to the plea deal has not been scheduled yet.