Wednesday, June 12, a state trooper shot and killed a man who had just regained consciousness from an apparent overdose.
According to a statement issued by Vermont State Police spokesperson Adam Silverman Wednesday, a state trooper based at the Berlin Barracks was responding to a call requesting a welfare check at 87 Spencer Rd. in Orange when he encountered a man who appeared unconscious sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. The trooper suspected drug use, called dispatch and requested rescue crews respond for a possible overdose. The trooper also observed a sawed-off shotgun in the vehicle near the man.
The trooper began to attempt to speak with the man, and he regained consciousness. The trooper repeatedly ordered the man to step out of the vehicle. After repeated commands from the trooper, the man eventually exited the vehicle. A struggle then occurred between the man and the trooper while the trooper was attempting to secure the shotgun from within the vehicle. During the struggle, the trooper discharged his department-issued firearm, striking the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have tentatively identified the man as a resident of central Vermont in his early 40s. His name will be released following confirmation of identity, autopsy at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington, and notification of relatives.
The trooper involved in this incident has been placed on paid relief-from-duty status, per standard procedure following a critical incident.
The Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit investigates all officer-involved shootings that occur in the state. When the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the Orange County State’s Attorney’s Office for independent reviews of the use of lethal force.
The Vermont State Police received assistance in this investigation from the Barre Town and Berlin police departments and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
This is the first fatal shooting involving a member of the Vermont State Police since July 2022.
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Categories: Police Reports
VDC – June 11, 2024: “Due to the uncertainty of outcomes expressed at the press conference, I asked Gov. Scott if he recommends people arm themselves for self-defense? (see video at 27 minutes) His quick answer was “I don’t.” But he also said people should do what they want, and that he himself has a gun cabinet full of guns – but he stressed, they’re in the cabinet, not lying around. ” None of these changes are written in stone. The public safety people at the press conference said over and over again they will be monitoring the effectiveness of these changes and be ready to propose more if needed.”
So 24 hours later, a man is found passed out with a shot-gun in his vehicle (loaded? – I mean the gun, the guy obviously was,) a struggle ensues and the officer discharged his weapon and the suspect is now deceased. Previous to this incident, Barre City reports yet another drug bust on May 31 seizing gun, ammo, cash and drugs.
The changes are far too late and weak-kneed for the dead, disabled, victims, and law enforcement. Also, it appears they lack confidence of bringing a garden hose to a raging forest fire as it requires more monitoring for effectiveness. Glad the Governor locks up his guns, the drug dealers and drug addicted don’t seem to care, but as you say, they can do what they want. All to the detriment of our communities and more platitude paper will do the trick? Why not an executive order Governor – looks like an emergency to me. You were all too happy and obliging to wield them against white people and anti-vaxxers? Shameful.
Gone are the days of a bucolic state nestled safely in the mountains of New England…Vermont has lost it’s innocence. Our once quiet state has been discovered by out of state drug dealers and gang members. They know about our lack of police presence and that some towns don’t have any at all. I cannot imagine being an officer alone heading on to a remote property not knowing who or how many are there. They have no idea what they are walking into. Then to encounter a person, passed out and obviously under the influence of either drugs or alcohol and that they are armed…how many of us would want to be in that officer’s shoes? How would you react when the person comes around and becomes combative? What is your fear level when the person fights you over his weapon and tries to overpower you….as an officer alone what would you do? This job obviously takes nerves of steel and strong survival instincts. But, my question is – why are they being sent to these locations alone? Why are there not two officers per patrol car or at the very least, why are there not two cars dispatched? Oh right…funding. That’s always the answer isn’t it? I know…let’s have the additional law enforcement funding come from the taxes collected from the “pot dispensaries”. The drug intervention people can still have their 30% but certainly a portion of what goes into the general fund could be be allocated to support the expansion of Vermont’s law enforcement efforts. We ask a lot from our officers…I think we should offer them every protection.
Agree, JF. Vermont used to be a great state to live, work-in, raise a family, etc. Native Vermonters and people who moved here, assimilating into the Vermont way of life before the 70’s, have seen Vermont turn into a complete mess over the years, from left-wing politics, selling the state down the river, opening it up to drugs and complete lawlessness. Shameful beyond belief. They will reap what they sow. We are witnessing the demise of this little state from the Marxist/Globalist tactics and Agenda.
We dont have the funding to provide enough police coverage or even to insure decent striping on the roads. However, go into the typical Vermont public school classroom and you will see 5 professionals…teachers, aides, assistants, special tutors etc in a class of 12 students. A majority of your neighbors voted for this.
Hunter?
One less dirt bag
Well, Todd you are not the only 1. I used to live in a spot with drug dealers showing up in my driveway. I moved to a different area of the state. If we had stand your ground laws, and no mag bans. Those drug dealers wouldn’t stick around.
Looks like our 2nd amendment hating governor strikes again His VSP doesn’t even allow possession now!