WHY IT MATTERS
A Burlington police officer faces criminal charges after his service weapon discharged near two minors during a response to a reported kidnapping call. The case raises questions about use-of-force protocols and officer accountability in Vermont’s largest city.
Officer Jeffrey Baur entered not guilty pleas to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment in Chittenden County Superior Court on Friday. The charges stem from an August 2025 incident in the Prospect Hill area of Burlington.
WHAT HAPPENED
Burlington police responded to a call about a possible abduction in August 2025. During the response, Baur’s firearm discharged while aimed toward a vehicle containing two minors. Neither minor was struck by the bullet and no injuries occurred.
According to charging documents released Friday, Baur told investigators he believed the weapon discharged accidentally. A law enforcement expert who reviewed the incident concluded that whether the discharge was intentional or negligent, Baur pointed and fired his weapon at the two minors under circumstances that did not justify deadly force.
Attorney William Vasiliou entered the not guilty pleas on Baur’s behalf during Friday’s arraignment. A large group of supporters, including numerous law enforcement officers, attended the court proceeding.
BY THE NUMBERS
The incident occurred on August 10, 2025, approximately seven months before the arraignment. Baur faces two misdemeanor counts, one for each minor present in the vehicle. Zero injuries resulted from the weapon discharge. Both charges allege Baur recklessly engaged in conduct that placed another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury.
ZOOM OUT
The charges against Baur come amid broader national scrutiny of police use of force and department accountability measures. Vermont law enforcement agencies have faced increasing pressure to adopt stricter protocols governing weapon deployment and officer conduct during high-stress responses.
Reckless endangerment charges against on-duty officers remain relatively uncommon, typically filed only when evidence suggests conduct fell below accepted law enforcement standards. The involvement of minors in this case adds another layer of legal and public interest.
WHAT’S NEXT
Baur will proceed through the criminal court process following his not guilty plea. The case will move toward trial unless a plea agreement is reached. His employment status with the Burlington Police Department was not addressed in court documents.
Prosecutors will need to prove Baur recklessly created a risk of death or serious injury to secure convictions on the misdemeanor charges. The defense may argue the discharge occurred during a lawful response to a reported kidnapping and that circumstances justified the officer’s actions.