Crime
Victim of Fatal Shooting and Attempted Carjackings on I-190 in Worcester Identified
Suspect Shoots Himself After Chase on Crowded Highway.
On October 2nd, 2024, at about 2:20 PM, Worcester Police officers were dispatched to a Heroult Rd address for a report of a possible gunshot victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a male shooting victim who suffered serious wounds. He was given medical aid and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
He has been identified as Echelon Perez.
A short time later, a Massachusetts State Trooper approached a man acting suspiciously. The man brandished a firearm and fired a round.
The Trooper ordered the man to drop the weapon, but he fled.
At about 3:24 PM, Worcester Police were dispatched to I-190 northbound, a short distance from Heroult Rd, for a report of an armed man stopping traffic on the highway and pointing a firearm at motorists.
Worcester Police officers and Massachusetts State Police troopers arrived on scene and pursued the male on foot on the highway.
The male attempted to carjack motorists on the highway.
In response to the imminent threat posed by the male, a Worcester Police officer and a Massachusetts State Trooper discharged their firearms during the incident.
As seen in the footage, numerous officers converged on the scene, closing in on the suspect from different directions.
Toward the end of the pursuit, an exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect and the police.
The suspect then appeared to have shot himself in the head before officers could apprehend him.
The man was transported by ambulance to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
At this time, we believe that the man from the I-190 incident is the suspect from the Heroult Rd incident.
There is no current danger to the public.
This incident is currently under investigation by the Worcester Police and State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester District Attorney’s Office. If you have video of the incident or information about it, please call the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at (508) 799-8651.
Crime
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
Gunman took his life while barricaded inside home.
UPDATE: A gunman is dead and a veteran Milton Police officer is wounded this evening after public safety agencies responded to a structure fire on Main Street in Milton, officials said.
The gunman, identified as Aaron LaRoche, 38, of Milton is believed to have taken his own life about 11 p.m., about four hours after he ambushed Patrol Sgt. Paul Locke, officials said.
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.