Police now say a Vermont woman and longtime Salvation Army volunteer made up a story that a man tried to steal a donation kettle from downtown Burlington.
Police say 47-year-old Marjorie Burns reported that a man tried to remove the kettle from in front of the Burlington Town Center on Tuesday afternoon but when he was confronted by Burns he hugged her and left.
Police arrested 49-year-old Nathan Miner of South Burlington about half a block away. Miner allegedly resisted efforts to be taken into custody and kicked an officer in the shin. The officer did not require medical attention.
Burlington police said Wednesday night that Burns fabricated the story. She’s facing a charge of false reports to law enforcement authorities.