POWNAL, VT — Vermont State Police arrested a man on a burglary charge after he was shot during a dispute at a residence on Center Street.
Joseph C. Gardner, 54, of Pownal, was taken into custody and transported to the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury barracks where he was processed.
Police were notified by Pownal Rescue Squad at approximately 5:37 a.m. July 4 that a man was being transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center with a gunshot wound.
Investigation determined that Gardner entered a private residence and engaged in a physical dispute with Ryan Cote, 41, of Pownal, and Joyce Colegrove, 42, of Pownal.
During the dispute, Gardner received a minor graze wound on his leg from a small caliber firearm.
The firearm was said to have been used in self-defense against Gardner, who entered the residence uninvited and engaged in the dispute.
Vermont State Police detectives will submit case materials to be reviewed by the Bennington County State’s Attorney’s office to determine any additional charges related to use of the firearm.
