BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Burlington police spoke with WCAX News about an assault on an officer by a citizen early Saturday morning.
Police say it happened around 1:30 a.m. Saturday when a police officer and a community service officer were at a foot patrol post at the corner of Church and Main streets.
Investigators say Michael Gbenusola, 41, of Swanton, was walking south on Church Street yelling racial slurs and swear words, and when the officer asked if he was OK, Gbenusola swore at him and then violently punched the officer in the face, knocking him backward.
Burlington Police Lt. Michael Henry says it saddens him to see his officers treated this way.
“It’s hard to watch, hard to watch an officer just standing there, just minding the crowd, making sure people are safe. Then violently gets attacked for no reason. Over the years, I would say safety for police officers have changed dramatically,” Henry said,
The officer who was assaulted is on medical leave, and the department is not sure when he will return to work.