On 10/06/2015 at approximately 3:18 AM the Burlington Police were investigating a disturbance on College St. Officers were searching for two males who had been overheard arguing about money.
Ofc. Belleville was canvassing area ATMs as part of this investigation. Ofc. Belleville witnessed a subject, later identified as Mohamed Luhizo, in the ATM vestibule on the corner of St. Paul Street and Main Street exhibiting exaggerated movements. Ofc. Belleville noted that Luhizo was waving his arms, while standing above a second male who was lying on the ground next to the ATM . Ofc. Belleville noted that Luhizo was holding a small, thin, straight object, which the subject was waving it in a threatening manner, giving some indication it was a knife. Ofc. Belleville quickly approached the men and announced his presence. Ofc. Belleville immediately noticed that Luhizo was actually armed with a pen. Luhizo ran from Ofc. Belleville and a two-block foot chase ensued. Ofc. Belleville was able to give chase and call out his location at which time Ofc. Will Drinkwine arrived and was able to take Luhizo into custody without further incident.
Subsequent investigation revealed that Luhizo accompanied the victim to the ATM and attempted to force the victim to withdraw money so Luhizo could purchase marijuana. The victim was attempting to enter his PIN number while being menaced by Luhizo at the time Ofc. Belleville located them.
Luhizo was also a person of interest in a home invasion robbery, which had occurred on North Champlain St. on 09/12/2015. During this incident, a group of male subjects forced their way into an apartment; assaulted and robbed the resident of marijuana. Luhizo was identified as the driver of the vehicle who transported the suspects to and from the scene.
Luhizo was transported to Superior Court – Criminal Division on 10/06/2015 for arraignment on charges of Assault and Robbery and Burglary stemming from both incidents.
