Man pleads not guilty in gun incident at busy Burlington bar

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A man accused of pointing a gun at people outside a Burlington bar over the weekend pleaded not guilty in court on Monday.

Jahi Bennett-Gooden, 25, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest after Saturday’s incident outside of Ruben James on Main Street.

Jahi Bennett-Gooden — Jahi Bennett-Gooden(WCAX)

Police say on Saturday night, Bennett-Gooden became aggressive after being asked to leave by staff. Investigators say that’s when he pointed a firearm at employees and then took off on foot when the police arrived.

During the arrest, one officer was hurt and is believed they have torn an ACL.

Burlington Police say this still taken from surveillance video shows Jahi Bennett-Gooden... — Burlington Police say this still taken from surveillance video shows Jahi Bennett-Gooden pointing a gun at people.(Courtesy: Burlington Police)

Court paperwork shows Bennett-Gooden is the same person accused of a shooting at a Champlain Farms back in April 2020.

According to Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George, Bennett-Gooden served one year for aggravated assault charges but was released and referred to treatment court.

A judge ruled Bennett-Gooden to be held without bail pending a held without bail hearing. That will be set for a later date.

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