Crime
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
Gunman took his life while barricaded inside home.
UPDATE: A gunman is dead and a veteran Milton Police officer is wounded this evening after public safety agencies responded to a structure fire on Main Street in Milton, officials said.
The gunman, identified as Aaron LaRoche, 38, of Milton is believed to have taken his own life about 11 p.m., about four hours after he ambushed Patrol Sgt. Paul Locke, officials said.
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.
LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.
The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.
He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.
Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.
He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.
In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.
The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.
“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”
Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
- Local, county, and federal partners
The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.
Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.
VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.
No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.
The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.
The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.
Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.
Crime
Luca Hanlon, 19, Killed in Halloween Night Shooting Near CU Boulder Campus; Another Student Critically Injured
BOULDER, Colo. — What should have been a night of Halloween celebration turned into a devastating tragedy in Boulder after a shooting at a party near the University of Colorado Boulder campus claimed the life of 19-year-old student Luca Hanlon and left another student critically injured.
Hanlon, also 19, was identified as one of the victims of the shooting, which occurred on Saturday night, October 31, near the University Hill neighborhood.
According to the information provided, the shooting happened at approximately 11:28 p.m. at a residence near the intersection of Seventh and Marine streets.
The gathering was reportedly a Halloween party attended by young people in the area. However, the celebration was shattered when gunfire erupted, leaving two 19-year-old CU Boulder students wounded.
Luca Hanlon suffered fatal injuries and was killed in the shooting. Another 19-year-old student was also struck by gunfire and left in critical condition.
Halloween is traditionally a time for costumes, gatherings, and celebrations, particularly among college students. For those present that night, however, the evening became a frightening and heartbreaking experience.
The loss of a 19-year-old student is especially devastating. At an age when many young people are beginning to pursue their ambitions, build friendships, and look ahead to the future, Hanlon’s life was tragically cut short.
The shooting also left another young student fighting for their life, adding to the heartbreak surrounding the incident.
Luca Hanlon was just 19 years old. His death represents a profound loss for those who knew and loved him, as well as for the university community affected by this tragedy.
Behind every young life lost is a family, a circle of friends, and a future filled with possibilities that will never have the chance to unfold. His passing is a painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary night can change lives forever.
As the Boulder community reflects on the tragedy, thoughts remain with Hanlon’s loved ones and the injured student as they face an incredibly difficult time.
Our deepest condolences go out to Luca Hanlon’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking shooting. We also wish the injured student strength and hope for recovery.