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.