Arrest Made in Winooski Gas Station Incident Involving Arson and Assault

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 9:00 PM

The individual approached a fuel pump shortly before 10 a.m., purchased gasoline and ignited the fuel.

Authorities apprehended an individual believed to be responsible for arson and an assault at the Shell station located on Main Street. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning.

According to the police, the individual approached a fuel pump shortly before 10 a.m., purchased gasoline with a credit card, and ignited the fuel. The suspect reportedly confronted an employee who attempted to intervene, leading to the suspect allegedly spraying the employee with gasoline before igniting a second fire in proximity to propane tanks.

Staff at the gas station acted swiftly to activate an emergency shut-off system, which is believed to have mitigated the potential for an explosion. Following this, the suspect fled the scene and reportedly assaulted a bystander at a nearby establishment.

Police have not disclosed the name of the arrested individual, who is currently receiving a mental health assessment at a local hospital. Fortunately, damage at the gas station was confined primarily to the pumps and a trash receptacle.