Vermont State Police say a trooper shot and killed man in a struggle over a sawed-off shotgun

ORANGE, Vt. (AP) — Vermont State Police on Thursday released new details about the circumstances that lead a trooper to shoot a man outside of a home in Orange.

The trooper was responding to a request for a welfare check Wednesday when he encountered a man who appeared to be unconscious sitting in a vehicle, state police said. The trooper suspected drug use and called for rescue crews to respond to a possible overdose.

The trooper noticed a sawed-off shotgun in the vehicle near the man, police said. Then the man regained consciousness as the trooper tried to speak to him. The trooper repeatedly ordered the man to step out the vehicle, which he eventually did.

Police said that as the trooper was trying to get the shotgun from the vehicle, a struggle ensued and the trooper discharged his firearm, hitting the man. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have identified him as a central Vermont resident in his early 40s but his name will not be released until his identity is confirmed and relatives are notified, police said.

Once the Vermont State Police complete their investigation of the shooting, the case will be turned over to the offices of the Vermont attorney general and the Orange County state’s attorney for independent reviews.

The trooper has been placed on paid leave, which is standard procedure, police said.