In the quiet town of Milton, Vermont, a routine emergency call turned into a harrowing ordeal on the evening of April 23, 2025, leaving a veteran police officer wounded and a community grappling with shock. Sergeant Paul Locke, a respected member of the Milton Police Department, was ambushed while responding to a reported structure fire at 78 Main Street. The assailant, identified as 38-year-old Milton resident Aaron LaRoche, opened fire on first responders, striking Locke in a violent encounter that has raised urgent questions about mental health, public safety, and the warning signs that preceded the attack.
The incident began shortly before 7:00 p.m. when Milton police and fire crews arrived at the scene of the reported blaze. As first responders approached, LaRoche, who was barricaded inside the residence, allegedly unleashed gunfire. Locke, clad in a bullet-resistant vest, was shot from behind, sustaining a serious but non-life-threatening wound to his leg. Milton Rescue swiftly transported him to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, escorted by police to ensure rapid care. Medical staff stabilized Locke, and he remains under treatment, supported by his family and the Vermont State Police’s Victim Services Unit. The bravery of Locke and his colleagues, who faced unexpected danger, has resonated deeply with the Milton community, where he is known for his dedication and service.
LaRoche, now the focus of an intense standoff, is no stranger to local law enforcement. Authorities have revealed that he has a documented history of mental health challenges and erratic behavior, which had escalated in recent months. Community members and officers alike had grown increasingly alarmed by LaRoche’s online activity, which included a series of disturbing social media posts. These messages, some directly targeting the Milton Police Department and Vermont State Police, contained explicit threats and references to paranoia, including claims of hearing voices and being under external control. Law enforcement officials had been monitoring LaRoche due to these red flags, but the sudden eruption of violence has left many wondering whether earlier intervention might have averted the crisis.
The Vermont State Police assumed command of the scene shortly after the shooting, coordinating a robust response with multiple agencies. The operation includes the VSP’s Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Field Force Division, Tactical Services Unit, Bomb Squad, and Crisis Negotiation Unit, alongside local, county, and federal partners. Main Street, a central artery of Milton, remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, with authorities urging residents to steer clear of the area. The heavy police presence, marked by tactical vehicles and specialized units, underscores the gravity of the ongoing standoff as negotiators work to resolve the situation without further bloodshed.
As the investigation unfolds, attention has turned to LaRoche’s background and the missed opportunities to address his deteriorating mental state. Community members have voiced concerns about the challenges of balancing individual rights with public safety, particularly when mental health crises intersect with access to firearms. The incident has also sparked broader discussions about the role of social media in flagging potential threats and the resources available to small-town police departments facing complex cases. For now, Milton remains on edge, awaiting resolution and answers.
The Vermont State Police have pledged to provide updates as the situation develops, emphasizing transparency while prioritizing the safety of all involved. In the meantime, the community rallies around Sergeant Locke, whose survival is a testament to his resilience and the swift actions of his fellow responders. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those who serve and the urgent need to address the underlying issues that lead to such violence.