Task Force Arrests Violent Fugitive, Closing 4 Warrants

Burlington, VT - The U.S. Marshals Service Vermont Violent Offender Task Force (VVOTF) arrested a fugitive who was wanted for Aggravated Assault with a Weapon, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Assault, and Possession of Narcotics, among several other charges.

Travis Preston Heath , 42, of Colchester was arrested on the evening of November 3, 2014 in Winooski, VT when confronted by Deputy U.S. Marshals, members of the Vermont Violent Offender Task Force and the Winooski Police Department. When approached, Heath attempted to flee, but was subsequently apprehended.

At the time of Heath’s arrest Heath had four outstanding warrants, two from Winooski Police Department, one from the Burlington Police Department, and one from Burlington Probation and Parole. Charges on these warrants included aggravated assault with a weapon, violating conditions of release, and failure to appear for a court hearing related to previous charges of aggravated domestic assault, domestic assault, three counts of possession of narcotics, and retail theft. Heath also had a Return on a Mittimus Warrant from the Department of Corrections.

Heath had been a fugitive since August 8, 2014 and was to be held without bail on one of the warrants.

Heath is no stranger to the criminal justice system. Heath has a history of violent offenses to include a Federal conviction for using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute heroin. Heath also has an extensive criminal history which includes numerous drug charges, assault on law enforcement officers, simple assaults, aggravated domestic assault, and thefts.

The arrest was a result of a culmination of investigative efforts by the U.S. Marshals Service District of Vermont, the U.S. Marshals VVOTF, including the Vermont State Police, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Removal Operations and the Winooski Police Department.