By Guy Page

A man with a history of violence, car theft and sex crimes and multiple outstanding warrants was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly assaulting another person with a knife at a homeless encampment north of Waterfront Park, Burlington Police said.

At about 8:28 PM on June 3, Burlington officers responded to a report of an assault in progress involving a weapon. When they arrived, they found several residents of the encampment restraining a man later identified as Robert Jessup, 44. Police said Jessup was combative and refused to identify himself.

According to police, Jessup arrived at the encampment appearing angry and possibly under the influence. He accused a resident of stealing from him, then escalated the confrontation by producing a knife and slashing at the individual. Bystanders intervened, subdued Jessup, and held him until officers arrived.

The primary victim suffered defensive wounds to the hands and arm. Another person who stepped in to help also sustained similar injuries.

Jessup was eventually identified by the Vermont Department of Corrections. Authorities discovered he had an active Vermont warrant for failing to appear on a misdemeanor charge, as well as out-of-state warrants in Texas and Kentucky related to failure to comply with sex offender registry requirements. His criminal record includes convictions for violent crimes and sex offenses.

Jessup was arraigned in Chittenden Superior Criminal Court on Wednesday and ordered held without bail. Burlington Police say they are continuing to investigate the case, including the possibility of extradition to Texas and Kentucky.