BURLINGTON — The Burlington Police Department received multiple 911 calls regarding a naked male assaulting people between the area of lower Church Street and Main Street.
The incident took place on Tuesday at around 4:15 p.m.
The first officer arrived on the scene and observed a male, naked from the waist down in 20° temperatures, fighting citizens and speaking incoherently.
As the officer approached, the suspect, identified as Charles Root, 43, turned and immediately assaulted the officer by punching him in the face with both hands.
Assisted by a citizen, the officer took Root into custody, police say.
Root also spat at officers while in custody.
The Burlington Fire Department responded to evaluate Mr. Root’s altered mental state and transported him to UVMMC.
Officers interviewed several victims who stated they attempted to help Root before he assaulted them.
One of the victims stated he intervened when he observed Root place a female in a headlock and throw the female to the ground.
Some victims had visible injuries but no victims wanted to pursue criminal charges at the time.
Charges against Root for disorderly conduct and for assaulting officers are pending further evaluation, police say.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact the Burlington Police Department at (802) 658-2704.
