WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Man Accused of Grabbing Deputy's Gun Arraigned

Man Accused of Grabbing Deputy's Gun Arraigned

Middlebury, Vermont - November 12, 2009

Thursday marked Robert Blaise's second arraignment this week. Monday he was in court for domestic assault and fish and game violations, when he complained of respiratory problems and was brought to Porter Hospital. Police say in the ER, the sheriff's deputy dropped his gun and Blaise went for it. The officer and an innocent bystander were able to subdue Blaise and grab the gun.

This is not something Porter Hospital is used to-- but it was prepared. While Blaise was on the loose the hospital went into lockdown to keep everyone inside safe.

"On that particular evening the locks on the doors in the ER were activated and the individual couldn't get out of the ER if he got to the doors," explained Jim Daly of Porter Hospital.

Daly believes that a hero arose out of the situation on Monday night.

"This is all about someone who was attending to a family member in the emergency department and saw a sheriff's deputy who needed some assistance and quickly provided it and we are gonna make sure we do a good job thanking him," Daly promised.

Thursday he was arraigned on aggravated assault, disarming a law enforcement officer and attempted escape.

"Blaise is being held on $100,000 bail and cannot step foot on Porter Hospital property unless it is a medical emergency.

Molly Smith - WCAX News