Editor’s note: This article is by the Brattleboro Reformer staff; it was first published Sept. 15, 2015.
A Brattleboro man who was shot in the leg by a Vermont State Police trooper has been cited with simple assault in addition to unlawful trespass. According to a press release from the Vermont State Police, Robert Smallidge, 48, refused to comply with a state trooper’s orders prior to being shot in a confrontation at a home on Millbrook Road in Fayston.
At approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, a trooper from the Middlesex barracks responded to a residence for a report of a person who refused to leave.
Trooper
Trooper Chris Brown attempted to communicate verbally with Smallidge, but he would not comply. Smallidge was seen walking toward the residence and away from Brown, continuing to ignore repeated requests to show his hands.
Smallidge then entered the doorway of the residence before reaching down inside the doorway to display what Brown believed was a rifle. In fear for his life and safety, Brown responded by discharging his firearm multiple times while retreating towards the rear of his cruiser. Smallidge was struck in the upper thigh with one round but remained standing.
After seeing that Smallidge no longer had a weapon in his hands, Brown continued to give verbal commands to the suspect, which were ignored.
Brown then discharged his Taser at the suspect, causing him to fall to the ground. Once Smallidge was in custody, responding troopers rendered medical aid and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene. Smallidge was transported by ambulance to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.
During a search of the residence, state police detectives located a plastic gun, which appeared to be an air gun, with the barrel and stock cut off, having a pistol grip, located just inside the door to the residence.
The investigation is ongoing. Once completed, the investigation will be reviewed by the Washington County State’s Attorney and Attorney General’s Office as is customary for any officer involved shooting.
