Crime
Officer Shot in Ambush During Structure Fire Response in Milton
MILTON, VT — A veteran officer with the Milton Police Department was wounded Wednesday evening after gunfire erupted during a public safety response to a structure fire in the area of 78 Main Street, authorities confirmed.
The officer, whose name is being withheld pending notification of family, was transported under police escort by Milton Rescue to University of Vermont Medical Center, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
According to preliminary reports, the officer was shot from behind — possibly in the back — while wearing a bulletproof vest.
Additional reports indicate the officer may have also sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
The incident began around 7:00 p.m. when public safety officials responded to a fire at a residential structure.
During the response, a suspect opened fire, injuring the officer.
The suspect — identified as a 38-year-old male resident of Milton — is reportedly barricaded inside the residence.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the individual is well-known to police and has a history of mental health issues.
Posts on social media reportedly attributed to the suspect mention auditory hallucinations and claims of being under mind control.
The Vermont State Police (VSP) has assumed command of the ongoing situation.
In a statement released Wednesday night, VSP confirmed this is an active emergency response involving multiple agencies, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
Local, county, state, and federal law enforcement personnel are on site and responding.
Officials have emphasized that the situation appears contained to the immediate vicinity, but members of the public are urged to avoid the area due to the ongoing law enforcement activity.
Media inquiries are being directed to the Vermont State Police Public Information Office via email.
VSP has requested that the public and media refrain from calling local barracks or dispatch centers to ensure emergency communications remain open.
This remains a fluid and active investigation.
Further updates will be released as verified information becomes available.
Crime
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.