MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.

LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.

The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.

He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.

Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.

It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.

Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.

LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.

He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.

In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).

These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.

The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.

“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”

Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.

Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:

• VSP Major Crime Unit
• Bureau of Criminal Investigations
• Field Force Division
• Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
• Bomb Squad
• Crisis Negotiation Unit
• Local, county, and federal partners

The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.

Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.

VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.

No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.

The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.

Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.

The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.

Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.