Police Officer Shot While Rushing to Milton Fire Response

MILTON, Vt. (WCAX) -- Officials report that a police officer was injured from gunfire when they responded to a blaze in Milton on Wednesday.

At approximately 7 p.m., first responders were dispatched to 78 Main Street due to a building fire. Upon their arrival, a suspect initiated gunfire towards them, striking Sergeant Paul Locke of the Milton Police Department.

The suspect barricaded themself inside the burning home.

Police say Locke had injuries that were not life-threatening and he was taken to the UVM Medical Center. They say he is now back home and doing well.

"Why and how this occurred remains unclear," stated Vermont State Police spokesperson Adam Silverman on Wednesday evening.

The area remained active for approximately four hours following the shooting incident. Both the tactical services unit and the crisis negotiation team were present at the location. Since then, the situation has been handled, and Main Street has resumed normal operations.

No one was taken into custody and police say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

We don’t know the identity or condition of the suspected shooter. Police say their name will be released once they alert relatives.

We also don’t yet know how the fire started.