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.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.