BURLINGTON, Vt. -
He was caught pretending to be a cop to pull off a robbery, but the Burlington man told police he was too drunk to remember it.
Police say Joseph Gilbert, 25, jumped out of the bushes on the Burlington bike bath and tackled Shane O'Rourk, 36. Gilbert allegedly stole $200 from the man's wallet while Gilbert's friend, Steven Ballard, stood nearby. A witness told police Gilbert picked O'Rourk up and pretended to escort him to a police car before fleeing the scene with his friend.
"Either he or his co-defendant, Mr. Ballard, indicated that they had split a 30-pack of beer that day and I would think that some cash bail is appropriate just to assure his appearance," Chittenden County Deputy State's Attorney Paul Finnerty said.
Gilbert pleaded not guilty to the impersonation and assault and robbery charges. His co-defendant, Ballard, is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday on accessory charges.
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