Crime
Milton Police Sgt. Paul Locke Shot in Ambush During Structure Fire Response on Main Street
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the officer wounded during an ambush on Wednesday evening in Milton as Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran member of the Milton Police Department.
The officer was injured when gunfire erupted as public safety personnel responded to a structure fire at a residence located at 78 Main Street.
The incident unfolded shortly before 7:00 p.m., when firefighters and police officers arrived at the scene of a reported residential fire.
According to officials, a suspect inside the home opened fire on first responders, striking Sgt. Locke.
Preliminary information indicates he was shot from behind, possibly in the back, while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
Additional reports suggest he may also have suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.
Sgt. Locke was immediately transported by Milton Rescue to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington under police escort.
His injuries have been described as non-life-threatening, and he is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Vermont State Police’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to the officer and his family during this time.
The suspected gunman, a 38-year-old Milton resident, is believed to have barricaded himself inside the residence.
He is reportedly known to local law enforcement and has a documented history of mental health struggles.
Posts allegedly made by the suspect on social media reference auditory hallucinations and claims of being under mind control.
The Vermont State Police (VSP) has assumed command of the ongoing situation, which remains active.
A coordinated multi-agency law enforcement response is underway, involving the following VSP units and partner agencies:
- Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
Police departments from across Chittenden and Franklin counties are assisting in securing the area.
At this time, no arrests have been made.
Authorities have emphasized that the threat appears contained to the immediate vicinity of the residence at 78 Main Street.
As of Wednesday night, Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and the East Road/North Road intersection.
A significant police presence is expected to remain in the area while the investigation and response continue. Members of the public are urged to avoid the area for their safety and to facilitate law enforcement operations.
The Vermont State Police have requested that all media inquiries be directed to the Public Information Office via email.
To ensure emergency communications remain open, the public and media are asked not to call local dispatch centers or barracks.
This remains a dynamic and evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as more information is confirmed.
Crime
Noemi Hernandez, Mother of Four Murdered By Her Husband Hector Luvianos Two Days Before Christmas
BATAVIA, Ill. — A devastating domestic homicide has left a family and community in mourning just days before Christmas.
Noemi Hernandez, a devoted mother of four, was fatally attacked in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 23, in what prosecutors allege was a violent act committed by her husband.
The incident occurred at an apartment building in the 100 block of Church Street in Batavia.
According to court records and police reports, at approximately 4:37 a.m., Batavia police were dispatched after a man contacted emergency dispatchers and stated that he had killed his wife.
Responding officers located the man outside the apartment building and took him into custody without incident.
When officers entered the apartment, they found Hernandez suffering from severe, life-threatening injuries.
First responders immediately attempted life-saving measures; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the suspect as Hector B. Luvianos, 37, who was transported to the Batavia Police Department for questioning.
With assistance from the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force, investigators determined the incident was domestic-related and involved only the two individuals. Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
On Dec. 24, 2025, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser and Batavia Police Chief Eric Blowers announced that Luvianos has been formally charged with first-degree murder, a Class M felony under Illinois law.
He appeared in court the same day for a pretrial detention hearing, after which a judge ordered him held in the Kane County Jail while the case proceeds.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the official cause and manner of Hernandez’s death.
In the wake of the tragedy, Hernandez’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and related expenses.
In the fundraiser, the family described Noemi as “the heart of her family,” noting that she worked tirelessly, loved deeply, and always placed her children first. Her sudden death, they wrote, has left the family emotionally devastated and financially unprepared.
As an immigrant family with limited resources and no life insurance, they now face the burden of funeral and cremation costs, legal fees, and other unexpected expenses, all while supporting four children grieving the loss of their mother.
The family is asking for community support to allow them to lay Noemi to rest with dignity and focus on healing rather than financial hardship.
The investigation remains ongoing.