Joseph Gilbert
Steven BallardBURLINGTON, Vt. -
Burlington police are warning pedestrians to beware after a man was robbed by a fake cop.
Police say Joseph Gilbert, and his friend, Steven Ballard, tackled a 38-year-old victim on the Burlington bike path. Police say Gilbert claimed to be a police officer and even pretended to call for a backup police cruiser. He and Ballard allegedly held the victim and stole $200 from his wallet before releasing him near the Little Eagle Bay apartment complex in Burlington's New North End.
Police advise people to walk with a friend at night.
"It's always better to not be out walking alone. Always be aware of your surroundings, carry a cellphone and if you see suspicious behavior, suspicious people, call the police. We're here 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Burlington Police Sgt. Shawn Burke said.
Gilbert is charged with assault and robbery. Ballard is charged with larceny from a person.
