Milton Police Sergeant Shot During Fire Response Ambush Identified as Sgt. Paul Locke; Investigation Ongoing

MILTON, VT — A routine emergency call turned into a night of terror on Wednesday evening when an armed suspect ambushed first responders at the scene of a house fire in Milton, leaving a veteran police officer injured and the community stunned.

Authorities have identified the wounded officer as Sergeant Paul Locke, a seasoned member of the Milton Police Department. The incident unfolded shortly before 7:00 p.m. at 78 Main Street, where police officers and firefighters had been dispatched to respond to a reported structure fire.

What began as a standard emergency response quickly escalated into a life-threatening confrontation. As firefighters attempted to assess the blaze and secure the area, gunfire erupted from within the home. According to preliminary reports, the suspect—identified as a 38-year-old Milton resident—opened fire on the first responders from inside the burning residence.

Sgt. Locke was struck by gunfire, reportedly shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest. Investigators believe the shooter may have been concealed within the structure, taking aim at the unsuspecting officers and firefighters as they arrived. Additional sources indicate that Sgt. Locke also suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Emergency medical services responded swiftly. Milton Rescue transported Sgt. Locke under police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, where he is currently being treated for injuries that authorities have described as non-life-threatening. The Vermont State Police’s Victim Services Unit is offering support to Locke and his family as he begins the road to recovery.

“Sgt. Locke is a dedicated officer and public servant who was doing his job, ensuring the safety of others,” said Milton Police Chief Jason Johnson in a press briefing Thursday morning. “This act of violence against one of our own is deeply disturbing. We are grateful his injuries are not more serious, and we are providing him with all the support he needs.”

As the gunfire ceased, responding law enforcement officers began efforts to contain the scene. The suspected gunman barricaded himself inside the residence, making initial entry by police too dangerous without backup. The situation quickly turned into a standoff, with tactical units called in to manage the volatile and unpredictable circumstances.

Authorities have yet to confirm the suspect’s identity or motive, but they have stated that the 38-year-old man is known to local law enforcement. It remains unclear whether the fire was set intentionally or if it was incidental to the violence. Investigators from the Vermont State Police, along with federal agents and fire marshals, are working to determine the sequence of events and whether the ambush was premeditated.

Residents in the surrounding area were urged to stay indoors and avoid the vicinity of Main Street during the standoff. Some neighbors were temporarily evacuated for their safety as police worked to bring the situation under control.

“It’s terrifying,” said Marissa Green, a neighbor who lives two blocks away. “You don’t expect something like this to happen in our town—certainly not to our police while they’re trying to help.”

The home sustained extensive fire damage, complicating evidence collection and the ongoing investigation. It has not been confirmed whether anyone else was inside the house at the time of the fire or shooting.

This attack marks a sobering moment for Vermont’s public safety community, where gun violence directed at first responders is relatively rare. Officials are using the moment to remind the public of the inherent risks faced daily by law enforcement and emergency personnel.

“Our firefighters and police officers go into danger without hesitation,” said Governor Phil Scott in a statement. “We are incredibly thankful Sgt. Locke is expected to recover, and we must never take the sacrifices of our first responders for granted.”

The suspect remains in custody, and charges are expected to be announced as soon as the investigation is complete. Authorities say they will release more information, including the suspect’s identity, following a formal arraignment.

This is a developing story. For continuous updates, visit [local news sites] or follow the Vermont State Police on official social media channels.