WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Rutland Teen Pleads Innocent to Holdup

Rutland Teen Pleads Innocent to Holdup

Rutland, Vermont - September 1, 2009

Police say Brennan Bigelow, 18, of Rutland, robbed the Mac's Market on Route 7 just after 9 a.m. Monday. That robbery happened just over an hour after the Route 7 Cumberland Farms was robbed-- again at gunpoint. The Shell Short Stop on Route 4 was also robbed by an armed gunman the night before.

"There are certain facts and circumstances surrounding each armed robbery that would lead one to believe that it was the same person or persons committing all of the robberies," Rutland Police Sgt. John Sly said.

Two other armed robberies-- one in Burlington and one in Ludlow-- are also being investigated by police.

At this point, Bigelow has only been charged in connection with the Mac's Market robbery. Witnesses say they saw the thief flee the scene in a gold Jeep Cherokee. When the Jeep was later pulled over, Bigelow was positively identified by the store clerk as the person who committed the robbery. A search warrant of the vehicle revealed a .40-caliber handgun and live rounds. According to the affidavit, a hooded sweatshirt was also found in the car that matched surveillance video from the Cumberland Farms robbery.

"We are waiting for further forensic evidence to come back," Sly said. "We are awaiting additional interviews and investigations to be completed before we move forward on any additional charges."

While police searched for the gunman Monday, nearby schools were locked down. The ordeal does not sit well with Rutland residents.

"We usually sleep with our door unlocked," said Theresa Wideawake, a Rutland mom.

Wideawake said she is worried about escalating violence in the city.

"I grew up here and when I was younger there really wasn't any violence and with all the stuff going on now, I have actually thought about wanting to move because I don't want my kid to be around that kind of stuff," she said.

Bigelow denied the charges in court. He already has a felony conviction after being arrested in connection with a burglary in 2007.

Because Bigelow was already on probation when the alleged crime took place, the judge ordered that he be held without bail.

Adam Sullivan - WCAX News