Charges Filed Against New York Man Following Assault on Journalist in Brattleboro

Following his arrest court documents indicated that Lemert is facing multiple serious charges.

The community of Brattleboro is grappling with a recent violent incident involving Hank Poitras, a local journalist known for his reporting on public safety issues through his platform, Planet Hank. Poitras experienced a harrowing home invasion over the weekend, which he described as alarming when he recognized the assailant as someone he had reported on in the past.

Julian Lemert, aged 20 from New York, was apprehended by police at approximately 8 a.m. on June 20, shortly after fleeing the scene. Following his arrest, court documents indicated that Lemert is facing multiple serious charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, grand larceny, and unlawful mischief. He entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment on Tuesday, where Judge Michael Kainen denied bail, emphasizing the need for a future hearing.

Poitras recounted that he was awakened by his dog barking, marking the start of the intrusion. He reported that Lemert attempted to gain entry by throwing a large stone at his residence and later broke through a glass door while brandishing a knife during a subsequent confrontation.

Law enforcement responded to Poitras's emergency call and soon located Lemert on Arch Street. Officers noted that Lemert was discarding items, including Poitras's iPhone 16, into Whetstone Brook. After retrieving the submerged phone, Poitras was able to provide police with video footage of the altercation.

Eyewitness accounts corroborate the series of events that unfolded. Lemert allegedly escalated the situation by shouting at Poitras and attacking him. During their struggle, he reportedly threatened Poitras with a knife, prompting the victim to fear for his life. Poitras, who has training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, credited his skills for helping him manage to escape the encounter relatively unscathed.

Reports indicate that Lemert, a student at Keene State College set to graduate in 2029, had moved to Brattleboro and had friends in the area. The judge acknowledged the potential complexities of the case, hinting that more information might emerge during upcoming hearings.

Although police confirmed that Poitras had injuries, he did not seek immediate medical attention, while Lemert was taken to the hospital due to injuries sustained during the incident. The emotional impact of the event left Poitras and several neighbors feeling anxious about Lemert's potential return if released.

Poitras suspects that the assault was premeditated due to his public documentation of crime and safety in the area. Despite not receiving previous threats or communications from Lemert following an earlier encounter in Keene where Lemert faced multiple assault charges, Poitras expressed concern for his own safety and that of his community.

Area residents are apprehensive about the situation, and some have even sought alternative accommodations for peace of mind while security measures are being enhanced.

Individuals charged with crimes in Brattleboro are assumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.