By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. — Bellows Falls Police recently arrested a Springfield woman on multiple charges after she allegedly tried to evade officers while wielding a knife as they were attempting to arrest her on a warrant.
According to a report by the Bellows Falls Police Department, Pamela L. Runnells, 40, of Springfield, Vermont, was arrested on Dec. 7 and faces the following charges: two counts of Arrest on Warrant (Instate), Resisting Arrest (2nd Offense), Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (2nd Offense – Felony), Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Dangerous/Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Threatening.
On Dec. 7 at about 1:38 a.m., Bellows Falls Police Department gathered information about the whereabouts of Runnells, leading them to 98 Atkinson Street in Bellows Falls. Officers knew that she had two active instate arrest warrants that were issued by the Vermont Superior Court- Windsor Unit. One warrant had bail set at $2,500 and the other was a hold without bail.
Officers went to the address and spoke with the head of the residence, who reportedly allowed consented to a search of the building for Runnells. She was found hiding inside the residence and then “proceeded to procure a knife and threatened to harm herself.”
“Officers continued to reason with Runnells and utilize de-escalation tactics to peacefully end the situation,” the report stated. “Throughout the interaction, Runnells obtained a larger knife, and at times approached officers with the knife, brandishing it in their direction.”
Officers with the Springfield, Vermont, Police Department, Vermont State Police – Westminster Barracks, and Chester, Vt. Police Department responded to assist the Bellows Falls Police Officers. During the interaction, several officers deployed conducted energy weapons (CEW) to end the situation. Runnells was taken into custody after briefly struggling with the arresting officers.
It was also found that Runnells was violating active conditions of release.
“The Bellows Falls Police Department would like to thank the Springfield (VT) Police Department, Vermont State Police – Westminster Barracks, Chester (VT) Police Department, and Golden Cross Ambulance for their assistance with this investigation,” the report stated.
Runnells was taken to the Southern State Correctional Facility in lieu of bail on the warrants. Additionally, she was charged with the additional crimes and ordered held in lieu of $5,000 cash/surety bail.
Runnells was ordered to appear in the Vermont Superior Court – Windham/Windsor Unit on Dec. 9 to answer to the charges.
