Shawn McConnell approached an 82-year-old man and punched him

Burlington police say around 2 p.m. Saturday, 41-year-old, Shawn McConnell approached an 82-year-old man and punched him — knocking him out. The victim was taken to the hospital with face injuries. McConnell was arrested a short time later, nearby, and charged with assault. However, the court released McConnell shortly after that. Police say he has a criminal history in New Hampshire, and has had dozens of run ins with law enforcement since arriving in Vermont last January. McConnell is due in court today.