Montpelier man arrested over threat at Vt. hospital

BERLIN, Vt. (WCAX) – There was heightened security at a Vermont hospital on Thursday after a threat of violence.

Berlin police say the threat was made over the phone to the Central Vermont Medical Center.

Officers responded to the hospital and determined the man behind the threats was David Gardner, 54, of Montpelier. Gardner was arrested at his home in Montpelier.

Berlin Police Chief James Pontbriand says the threats were deemed not credible.

“We investigated the actual call and determined whether or not there was a threat that we needed to act further on. Ultimately, the person responsible was addressed and there will be some accountability on that end,” Pontbriand said.

Gardner is accused of disturbing the peace by electronic means. He’s due in court in September.

Earlier this week, CVMC added new security procedures to enter the emergency department at the hospital.

Editor’s note: In earlier versions of this story, WCAX News reported the hospital went into lockdown based on a press release from the Berlin police. The hospital says that it is not correct and the facility was never locked down. We regret the error.

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