Suspect in Vermont Robbery Case Captured After Weeklong Evasion

Vermont, September 15, 2023 - Vermont law enforcement has successfully apprehended a robbery suspect, Eric Edson, who had managed to elude authorities for the past week using various means of transportation, from cars to bikes, even paddle boards and sailboats, and even a tractor.

Edson, 52, is slated to face arraignment on Friday, facing more than a dozen charges related to an armed robbery in Burlington and his attempts to avoid capture since August 30th, according to Vermont State Police.

His capture unfolded after Vermont State Police and the Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to a tip. They spotted Edson in a stolen kayak on the Lamoille River around 1 p.m. He eventually fled on foot, jumped into the river, and swam to the southern shore near Georgia Mountain Road, where he was apprehended by troopers and wardens.

The bizarre escapade began when Burlington police responded to a man passed out in a running vehicle, matching the description of one used in a robbery a week prior. Upon being awakened, Edson sped away, even assaulting officers with his vehicle.

Later that evening, Edson continued to evade police on foot and then stole a bicycle. He then absconded with a sailboat on Lake Champlain, leading to an interception by the Coast Guard. However, he managed to escape once more after the sailboat ran aground at the base of lakeside cliffs.

Despite the peculiar variety of vehicles used by Edson to evade capture, Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad emphasized Edson's dangerous nature before his arrest.

Following his apprehension, Edson was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation of injuries he sustained while evading law enforcement.

He is now facing charges including assault and robbery with a weapon, grand larceny, and eluding law enforcement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.