ESSEX — A Colchester man was arrested Wednesday after causing a disturbance and damaging property at a Starbucks in Essex, according to police.
Eduardo Figueroa-Ruiz, 34, entered the Starbucks at 54 Sunderland Way at 6:19 p.m., claiming he was being followed and requesting police assistance.
While officers were en route, Figueroa-Ruiz began throwing items inside the establishment, causing substantial damage to the building, merchandise, and food products.
Figueroa-Ruiz also allegedly assaulted a 49-year-old male patron from Essex Junction with a chair, injuring the victim’s hand.
Essex Rescue was called to the scene to treat the victim.
Before police arrived, Figueroa-Ruiz pulled the fire alarm, prompting an evacuation of the property.
Officers located him walking away from the scene and determined he appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance.
When officers attempted to take Figueroa-Ruiz into custody, he actively resisted arrest.
After a brief struggle, he was taken into custody and transported to the UVM Medical Center Emergency Department as a precaution.
Figueroa-Ruiz was medically cleared and transported to the Essex Police Department, where he was processed for unlawful mischief, assault, false alarms and reports, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.
He was released on court conditions and issued a citation to appear at Vermont Superior Court-Criminal Division on Tuesday.
