WINOOSKI, VT — The Winooski Fire and Police Departments responded to a fire at the Shell Station located at 262 Main Street on March 31, 2026, at approximately 9:56 a.m.
Investigation determined that the fire was set after a suspect walked up to the gas pump, utilized a credit card to activate it, dispensed a small amount of gas, then lit it on fire.
A Shell Station employee was sprayed with gasoline by the suspect after confronting them, but no injuries occurred.
The suspect then started a second fire between the exterior propane storage racks.
The first responding Winooski Police Department officer began to put the fires out with an extinguisher.
Upon arrival, the suspect fled the scene on foot.
Shell Station employees are credited with activating the emergency gasoline shut-off switch, preventing what could have been a catastrophic gasoline explosion.
The Winooski Fire Department extinguished the remaining fire.
The incident was under control within approximately 15 minutes.
Damage was limited to the pumps and a trash container.
The pre-determined response plan for a 1st alarm fire automatically dispatched additional response by the City of Burlington Fire Department, the Vermont Air National Guard Fire Department, and Saint Michaels Fire and Rescue.
After fleeing the scene, the suspect made their way to a different business on Main Street, knocked on the door, and assaulted the person who answered.
This person is currently being treated and evaluated at the hospital with face and head injuries, the extent of which is currently unknown.
The suspect was located by the Winooski Police Department and apprehended.
The suspect is being charged with 2nd degree arson and aggravated assault.
The Winooski Police Department is not yet releasing the suspect’s identity as they are currently undergoing a mental health evaluation at the hospital.
