By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First

A Williston Police officer shot a motorist after he was reportedly struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop on Vermont 2A (St. George Road) early Thursday morning, Vermont News First has been told.

Williston Officer Ethan Favreau was identified as the shooter, according to multiple sources familiar with the shooting, but were not authorized to speak about the case.

The name of the wounded motorist, who was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, was not immediately released by Williston or the Vermont State Police, which is leading the investigation.

He was shot in the hip and was eventually released.

Both Williston and Vermont State Police promised in their respective news releases they would release the name of the wounded man after his relatives were notified, but as of mid-afternoon there was still no word.

The involved officer was also taken to the Burlington hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released, Williston Police Chief Brian LaBarge said.

Favreau is a 7-year veteran with Williston Police, according to the department. He had previously served with the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office. He is a graduate of Clinton Community College where he majored in criminal justice.

State police declined to confirm Favreau was involved. As a courtesy to police officers involved in shootings, Vermont State Police withhold their names for at least 24 hours.

LaBarge said Williston Police were dispatched to a roadway hazard on St. George Road between Butternut Road and Old Creamery Road about 4:40 a.m.

Vermont News First learned there was some kind of utility line down. The driver, who was shot, reportedly was attempting to maneuver around the scene.

“During this incident a Williston Police officer discharged his firearm striking an individual,” the chief said in a news release. LaBarge did not elaborate.

Favreau was placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.

A second Williston patrol officer also reportedly responded to the scene. Once the report of shots fired was aired, additional police from nearby agencies also responded.

The Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, along with detectives and members of the uniform division of state police are part of the investigation. Also the Crime Scene Search Team was called in to comb the area for clues.

The investigating officers will need to go through body and dashboard camera video.

At the conclusion of its investigation, state police are expected to provide copies to the offices of the Vermont Attorney General and the Chittenden County State’s Attorney, unless Sarah George refers it to another county.

The two offices are expected to conduct independent reviews of the legal justification for the use of force, but the tradition is to announce their findings at the same time in a joint news release.

Anyone with information that could assist in this investigation is asked to call the state police barracks in Williston at (802) 878-7111.