Homicide suspect in custody - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Homicide suspect in custody

Police say first he attacked the peacemaker at a party -- then flipped his car as he fled the scene. When they tried to arrest him, he assaulted a trooper and another officer.

Now 25-year-old Joseph Bolduc is in custody, facing multiple charges.

"During the arrest he assaulted a state trooper. He punched a state trooper," State Police Lieutenant Tim Oliver said.

Around midnight Saturday morning police responded to a 9-1-1 hang up on Sand road in Ferrisburgh, they say Bolduc showed up at a bonfire looking for a man who had already left.

An altercation broke out between Bolduc and several men at the bonfire. That's when police say 40-year-old Conrad Bell made a decision that would end his life. He stepped in and tried to diffuse the situation.

Neighbors share the same story of bloodcurdling screams heard in the middle of the night.

"Because of this fight male victim was transported to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington for pretty severe injuries. Once he got there he was pronounced dead," Lt. Oliver said.

Police got a description of Bolduc and his vehicle from people at the party, which led them to the scene of a rollover accident.

"It was a license plate of the pickup truck and a description. As troopers responded, they found that pickup truck in an accident and it met the description. They ran the license plate and it gave us a name," Lt. Oliver added.

They then found Bolduc at a friend's house, where he fled on foot again. Police restrained him and took him to Porter Hospital for injuries sustained in the car accident. Then they brought him to the New Haven Barracks where he currently sits.

Friends of Conrad Bell tell us he was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.

Neighbors say the house is known for loud parties that often ended in fights. We knocked on several doors on Sand Road, but all homeowners declined to speak on camera. We were able to interview one neighbor who said they're not surprised a homicide took place there. However hours before our broadcast they requested we not use that video, for fear of their safety.