Burlington police officer apparently in hospital after assault

Still from video courtesy of Burlington, Vermont Police Department

A Swanton man is being held without bail at Northwest State Correctional in St. Albans Town in connection with an apparent assault on a Burlington Police Department officer.

Michael Gbenusola, 41, is accused of aggravated assault on a police officer. The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Main and Church Streets.

Surveillance video released by investigators shows a man punching a police officer in the face. Police accuse Gbenusola of carrying out the punch; they also say the attack was unprovoked. After the punch, the video appears to show the man approaching the officer a second time, prompting the officer to use a stun gun.

The officer was taken to the UVM Medical Center emergency room with a severe head injury and signs of a concussion. His name was not released. Gbensuola was also taken to UVMMC as a precaution.