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.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following a shooting inside the Austin Central Library that left one person seriously injured and prompted a large emergency response and temporary shelter-in-place order in the downtown area.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers responded shortly after 12:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire inside the Austin Central Library, located at 710 W. César Chávez Street.
Upon arrival, police and Austin-Travis County EMS units found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers stated during a press briefing that the shooter fled the scene before officers arrived.
After an extensive search, the suspect—identified as 55-year-old Harold Newton Keene—was located and arrested in South Austin at approximately 1:25 p.m.
The library was safely evacuated, and the shelter-in-place alert was lifted shortly after Keene’s apprehension.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident involving only one suspect and one victim.
“This was not an active shooter situation,” Rogers confirmed.
Preliminary reports and public records reveal that Harold Newton Keene has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests for assault, family violence, terroristic threats, burglary, drug possession, and evading arrest.
He is described by law enforcement officials as a habitual violent offender who has had numerous prior run-ins with police.
Records indicate Keene was previously arrested for threatening a man with a firearm several months ago and, in a separate incident, assaulted another inmate while in custody at the Travis County Jail.
In both cases, prosecutors later declined to pursue charges.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting or confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The Austin Police Department’s Major Crimes Division is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.