Anthony J. Facos
Chief of Police
PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Cpl. Kevin Moulton
Sgt. Eric W. Nordenson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2016
Man arrested for aggravated assault on a police officer and heroin possession
On Thursday, May 19, 2016 at approximately 1:52 AM the Montpelier Police Department was notified of a disturbance at Champlain Farms located at 5 Memorial Drive in the City of Montpelier, Vermont.
Upon arrival, officers learned that the male was begging the store clerk to hide his bag behind the counter and was acting very nervous. After a brief interaction with police the male walked quickly to the Capital Plaza in search of a hotel room.
Officers monitored the male’s behavior and observed the male walk directly into the Capital Plaza’s basement bathroom area where he spilled baby powder throughout the stall.
Upon returning to the lobby area officers continued with an interview and a pat search was conducted as the male continued to try to put his hands down his pants.
Officers located suspected contraband inside the rear area of his pants. At this point, the male violently struck one of the officers in the head and attempted to flee the area.
After a prolonged struggle, officers were able to gain custody of the male identified as Phillip John Grassi (39) of Raleigh, NC who was arrested for possession of over an ounce of heroin and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. An ounce of an unknown substance was also recovered and will be sent to the Vermont Forensic Lab for testing. A small amount of marijuana was also seized.
Grassi was arraigned and held on $25,000 bail.
Anyone with additional information related to Grassi is asked to contact Cpl. Kevin Moulton at the Montpelier Police Department.