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.
A 7-year-old girl was killed and her mother injured Tuesday night after gunfire was directed into their northwest Atlanta home in what police describe as a drive-by shooting.
The victim has been identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner as Zoey Price, who had recently celebrated her seventh birthday in December.
Authorities confirmed she is the youngest homicide victim recorded in the City of Atlanta so far in 2026.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded shortly after 9:45 p.m. to reports of shots fired at a residence in the 2200 block of Tiger Flowers Drive NW, near the intersection of Joe Louis Drive NW.
During a late-night press conference, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that the shooting appears to have stemmed from an earlier dispute between two individuals. Investigators believe the disagreement occurred approximately 30 minutes before the gunfire erupted.
Chief Schierbaum said the suspect returned to the area and opened fire into the home, where the child and her 44-year-old mother were inside at the time.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found both victims suffering from gunshot wounds. In an effort to save the child’s life, officers transported Zoey Price in the back of a patrol vehicle to a nearby hospital. Despite those efforts, she was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
Her mother was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released details regarding her current condition.
Chief Schierbaum stated that homicide detectives are actively pursuing leads and expressed confidence that investigators have identified the individual responsible.
“We are going to arrest the individual who took a 7-year-old child from this city through senseless gun violence,” Schierbaum said. “You know who you are. If you’re watching this broadcast, turn yourself in. Because we are going to be coming to your home with an arrest warrant and we will take you into custody.”
He further emphasized the department’s commitment to securing justice for the victim and the community.
“We are coming for you. We are going to put you in jail and we are going to bring justice for this community,” the chief added.
The fatal shooting has shaken residents in the northwest Atlanta neighborhood, particularly given the young age of the victim. Investigators continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the earlier dispute and the events that led to the gunfire.
No arrests have been announced as of this time. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Atlanta Police Department as the investigation remains ongoing.