ESSEX, VT — A man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while police were executing a search warrant at a residence on Indian Brook Road on Sunday.
Essex and Milton police officers arrived at 64 Indian Brook Road at approximately 1:15 p.m. to serve a search warrant issued by Chittenden Superior Court.
The warrant authorized a search for evidence related to aggravated stalking and violation of an abuse prevention order from an incident reported on Dec. 12.
Officers had made numerous attempts over the weekend to contact the suspect by telephone, visiting the residence and seeking help from family and friends.
Upon arrival Sunday, officers knocked and announced their presence multiple times but received no response.
While using a miniature unmanned aerial vehicle to search the residence, officers entered to complete the search.
An Essex police officer was nearby when a gunshot was heard from underneath a couch in a small room that had initially been cleared by the drone.
Officers discovered the man had been hiding underneath the couch and had shot himself.
Essex police officers began resuscitation efforts, followed by extensive efforts by Essex Rescue and Essex Fire Department personnel.
The man was transported to UVM Medical Center, where he later died.
The Vermont State Police are handling the investigation due to the involvement of Essex police personnel.
