by VDC staff

Vermont State Police have identified the individuals involved in a police shooting Thursday morning at the Fox Run Inn in Ludlow.

The man who was shot is Jaime Gomez, 18, who was living in a room at the inn. Gomez remained hospitalized Friday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, where he continues to receive treatment for his injuries.

The officer who fired the shot has been identified as Ludlow Police Chief Jeffrey Warfle. According to social media, a teen named Jaime Gomez attended Bellows Falls Union High School, but it is not known if he is the same person who was shot Thursday morning.

According to state police, local officers received a report of a disturbance at the Fox Run Inn at about 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1. Chief Warfle responded and encountered Gomez, who police say was agitated and damaging property. Investigators say video of the encounter shows the chief speaking with Gomez and attempting to de-escalate the situation. While Chief Warfle was speaking with a witness, Gomez approached them, refused to follow commands, pulled an item from his pocket and lunged at the chief. Chief Warfle then fired his service weapon, striking Gomez. Police say Gomez dropped a knife after being shot.

State police said Chief Warfle immediately called for medical assistance and additional first responders.

Investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for Gomez, charging him with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of attempted aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Chief Warfle is cooperating with the investigation but has not yet been interviewed. Questions regarding his employment status have been referred to the town of Ludlow. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Upon its completion, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the appropriate county state’s attorney’s office will conduct independent reviews of the use of force.