VT Man Goes On Vandalism Spree, Damages 3 Dozen Homes: Police

BURLINGTON, VT — A 21-year-old man who has a long history with Burlington authorities could face numerous felony charges after police say he went on a vandalism spree Tuesday morning, smashing out windows in nearly three dozen homes and buildings.

Mbyayenge “Robbie” Mafuta, 21, was taken into custody Tuesday for damaging 33 homes and also smashing a window and exterior monitors at the Downtown Transit Center, Burlington police said in a news release.

According to authorities, police received numerous 911 calls in rapid succession shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday. Callers said a male suspect was throwing objects through house windows in the Golden Place and Locust Terrace area.

Officers responded to the area and located Mafuta as he was throwing a flower pot through a window, police said. Authorities took him into custody, police said.

Mafuta is a long history of run-ins with Burlington authorities, police said in a news release. He was previously arrested for assaulting officers, carjacking, burglary, theft, vandalism, and trespassing, police said.

After a previous act of vandalism, police said Mafuta called 911 and told authorities he had committed the crime because he was "off his meds" and wanted to go to jail.

"Given the number of people affected by this morning’s spree, I am hopeful Mr. Mafuta can get the help he needs, but it must be done in a way that truly prevents innocent neighbors from being further victimized," acting Chief of Police John Murad said in a release.

After investigating the calls placed Tuesday morning, police said numerous dangerous objects were thrown through windows into rooms where people, including children, were sleeping.

Police said the vandalism likely caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Mafuta was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday. It's possible he could be charged with as many as 33 counts of both misdemeanor and felony unlawful mischief, according to police.