Our Advertisers Represent Some Of The Most Unique Products & Services On Earth!

 
Burlington Cops Defend
Arrest Of Obama Critic

Public Comment from Mayor's Web Site
10-2-8
 
Thank you for your inquiry on this matter and I certainly appreciate the opportunity to respond to clarify some points.
 
In researching the details you provided, I believe I have located the incident you speak of. The details that I am providing are found on the record and are available if necessary, State v. Brian Albarelli.
 
On September 20, the Burlington Police Department was notified that campaign workers and supporters of Barak Obama were feeling threatened and harassed by a particular person on the Marketplace who had accosted them at the table they had set up in front of the entrance to the mall. At one point, they felt their safety was threatened so they folded up the table and left. The male was yelling at them and was argumentative.
 
On a separate occasion (September 19), the volunteers felt as if this male was going to strike out at them. The male was continuously yelling. The yelling was so loud that workers from inside stores came out onto the Marketplace to see what was taking place. There were passerbys that tried to intervene and protect the volunteers until the Police arrived.  
 
When this matter reached its peak on September 21, the male had again returned to the table which was now near Yankee Candle and was again yelling at the volunteers, only inches from their face. The police were summoned as the escalation was again threatening. When the officers arrived, the male was told that he was going to be issued a citation to appear before a judge at a later date for the culmination of his behavior over the last 3 days, he refused to identify himself. When the male was informed that he would then be placed under arrest for failing to properly identify himself, he took flight. He ran several blocks before he was apprehended by the officers. During this time the male was not complying to the orders from the officers to stop, turn around, etc. An officer did in fact display the taser and it was only then did the male finally cease his flight and comply with the officers. He was taken into custody without any further complication. The taser was not discharged.
 
The male was identified as Brian Albarelli. He was lodged at the Correctional Center for $500 bail. A judge reviewed the charges and found probable cause for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. He is not allowed to have contact with the victims in this matter.
 
First and foremost, I must assure everyone interested in the matter that we do in fact have an obligation to protect the 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech. It is not a responsibility that we take lightly. I am confident that we take all measures necessary to protect this most important guaranteed right. Additionally, we have an obligation to protect the personal safety of individuals involved in expressing their freedom of speech. There is certainly a manner in which to express one's thoughts in a healthy fashion, but as you see here, that did not occur in this case.  
 
The officers in this matter displayed great restraint and patience with Mr. Albarelli. The officers had tried the least intrusive action by issuing a citation, but Mr. Albarelli drove this to the next level by escaping from them.
 
I would be glad to speak with you further should you have any questions regarding this, or any other matter,
 
With respect,
 
Andi L. Higbee
Deputy Chief
Burlington, Vermont Police Department 
1 North Avenue 
Burlington, Vermont 05401
802-540-2111 
ahigbee@bpdvt.org 
 
Disclaimer
 
Donate to Rense.com
Support Free And Honest
Journalism At Rense.com
Email
Article
Subscribe To RenseRadio!
Enormous Online Archives,
MP3s, Streaming Audio Files, 
Highest Quality Live Programs


MainPage
http://www.rense.com


This Site Served by TheHostPros