Crime
Two Found Dead in Suspicious Vehicle Incident in Whitley County
WHITLEY COUNTY, KY – Authorities have launched a death investigation after two individuals were discovered deceased inside a vehicle blocking the roadway near the intersection of KY Highway 92 West and KY Highway 2792 on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
At approximately 11:10 a.m., Major Tony Dingess responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle—a gray Chevrolet Malibu—stopped in the middle of the roadway with an unresponsive driver.
Upon arrival, Dingess located the vehicle with its engine running and found the driver, identified as 60-year-old George Glenn Gaertner of Struck, Kentucky, deceased behind the wheel.
A female passenger, identified as 60-year-old Surja M. Gaertner, was also found deceased inside the vehicle.
During the investigation, authorities recovered a handgun from the scene.
The Whitley County Sheriff’s Office has opened a death investigation under case number 25-118-0060.
The Kentucky State Police in McCreary County have notified the victims’ next of kin.
An autopsy has been scheduled at the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort to determine the cause of death.
The investigation is ongoing, led by Major Tony Dingess, with assistance from Deputies David Rowe and Heather Lindsay, the Williamsburg Police Department, Kentucky State Police Post 11, Whitley County EMS, and Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley.
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.