A preliminary Vermont State Police investigation has found the man shot to death by a Burlington police officer was acting irrationally and destroying property.
The mother of 49-year-old Wayne Brunette called police Wednesday and when officers arrived they found Brunette brandishing a shovel and he advanced toward the officers in a threatening manner.
Police say Brunette ignored their orders to drop the shovel. He was shot and later pronounced dead. Police did not say how many shots were fired.
Police say Cpl. Ethan Thibault, a 12-year veteran, fired the shots that killed Brunette. The other officer involved in the incident was Cpl. Brent Navari, a 10-year veteran. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave.
The shooting was the first by a Burlington city officer since 1997.
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