A Burlington Police officer was placed on paid administrative leave after shooting at a driver in the city’s Hill Section over the weekend, according to Vermont State Police, the agency investigating the incident.
It happened in the early morning hours Sunday when the officer, Jeffrey Baur, responded to a report of a man and woman arguing near North Prospect Street and Colonial Drive. Police located a vehicle that was reportedly involved in the incident on nearby Prospect Hill.
“During the encounter, Officer Baur fired his service weapon in the direction of the vehicle,” VSP wrote in a press release. No one was injured.
Police did not say what prompted Baur to open fire. Interim Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke said he can’t comment on the case while it’s under investigation by state police.
As for the domestic incident, “there’s no ongoing threat to the public,” Burke said.
In a statement Monday evening, members of the Burlington Police Officers’ Association expressed “public and unwavering support” for Baur.
“Our officers responded to an in-progress, dynamic and volatile situation which placed all, including our members, in immediately unknown and dangerous circumstances,” the statement says. “This incident reflects the circumstances law enforcement all too frequently encounter across this Nation and State. We implore all to remember what we ask our officers to face and risk in their steadfast commitment to keeping our Communities safe.”
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Baur, a patrol cop, started at BPD in 2019, then left for other employment. He returned to the department in 2022.
The incident isn’t the first time Baur has been temporarily removed from duty during his tenure at BPD.
In late 2023, Baur was placed on paid leave after he was caught driving nearly 100 miles per hour on a motorcycle while off duty in St. Albans. Baur pleaded guilty to negligent operation in June 2024, agreeing to pay nearly $500 in fines and court charges. He also faced discipline for his off-duty conduct, Burke said.