Authorities have concluded a Vermont state trooper was legally justified in the use of deadly force when he fired at a man in Fayston last month, injuring him in the leg.
The trooper was responding to a report from the boyfriend of Robert Smallidge's ex-wife that Smallidge was drunk and refusing to leave a property.
Police say the trooper, Christopher Brown, tried to speak with Smallidge outside and Smallidge refused repeated verbal commands. He also displayed what appeared to be a rifle. Authorities say Brown then shot Smallidge and used a stun gun on him.
In a report from state attorney general's office released Monday, a search of the house showed a pellet-style air rifle with a cut off stock and barrel, about 18 inches long, near the doorway.
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