Police say he then drove on Church Street and led police in a pursuit ending on I-89

by BDN staff

A Burlington man is facing multiple charges after police say he blocked a fire truck, spat on a firefighter, and led officers on a vehicle pursuit through downtown Burlington and onto Interstate 89 Friday evening.

According to Burlington Police, the incident began around 6:33 p.m. on October 3 when the Burlington Fire Department (BFD) called for assistance while responding to a medical call near Church Street and College Street. Firefighters reported that a man was interfering with them, blocking a fire truck with his vehicle, and yelling. At one point, the man allegedly expelled saliva onto a firefighter.

When officers arrived, they identified the suspect as Daniel Jaffe-Suggs. Police say Jaffe-Suggs was confrontational, ignored commands, and drove away from officers.

The suspect fled south on Markhams Lane, east onto Thorsen Way, and then onto Church Street, where motor vehicles are prohibited and pedestrian foot traffic was heavy at the time. Officers deployed a tire deflation device, but despite at least one flat tire, Jaffe-Suggs continued to flee through city streets.

The pursuit ended on Interstate 89 southbound near Exit 13 after one of Jaffe-Suggs’ tires came off the rim, forcing him to stop. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Jaffe-Suggs has been charged with disorderly conduct, grossly negligent operation, eluding a police officer while operating in a grossly negligent manner, and assault with bodily fluids.

Burlington Police credited the University of Vermont Police Department and the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department with assisting in the investigation.