By Mike Donoghue, Vermont News First
HARDWICK — An out-of-state man was airlifted to a Burlington hospital following a shooting in Hardwick Tuesday afternoon, according to Hardwick Police.
The name of the wounded New Jersey man, who was flown to UVM Medical Center, was not released immediately. The injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening. He was described as alert and talking.
Hardwick Police Chief Michael Henry said Wednesday morning that nobody was in custody and officers were seeking the shooter.
The victim called 911 to report he had been shot once inside 7 Hillside Street in Hardwick about 3:48 p.m., Henry said.
Hardwick, Morristown and state police, along with the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department responded to the area.
The victim was the lone person inside the home when police arrived, the chief reported. One or more shooters had fled, Henry said.
The chief said his department is investigating the reason behind the shooting and interviewing persons with possible information.
Once the victim was removed, the house was secured and police began the process of seeking a court-approved search warrant to begin collecting evidence. The house is well-known to Hardwick Police. Town officers, assisted by Vermont State Police and the Vermont Drug Task Force conducted a major raid at the residence in February seeking stolen property and drugs, officials said at the time. Town records indicate it is owned by Elaine Brochu.
Henry said it appears to be an isolated incident, but the investigation is in its preliminary stages. He said there was no known threat to the public.
The chief said the Vermont State Police also have offered their services.
A helicopter, which had landed earlier on the soccer field at Hazen Union School, took off shortly before 5 p.m. with the patient and was headed to the UVM Medical Center.
Hardwick Rescue had brought the wounded man to the field and loaded him into the helicopter, an eyewitness told Vermont News First. A rescue wagon from Morristown and fire trucks from Hardwick were also at the scene.