UPDATE: Presumed Saxtons River shooter surrenders without incident

UPDATE Nov. 20 5:30 p.m. According to a VSP press release, personnel from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Major Crime Unit, Uniform Division and Crime Scene Search Team worked throughout the day investigating this incident.  Investigators spoke with residents, many of whom had been evacuated earlier, and documented damage which was consistent with being caused by gun shots. Police say Smith’s actions caused thousands of dollars of damage to several houses and other structures.

Smith is being held on $25,000 bail at Southern State Correctional Facility and is due to appear in Windham County Superior Court, Criminal Division on November 21.  Smith is being charged with reckless endangerment, felony unlawful mischief and use of a weapon while committing a crime.

Although no one was injured during this incident, police say that residents and responding Troopers were in fear for their safety. Several firearms were seized from the Smith residence. The investigation thus far has not revealed that Smith was targeting any specific person when he began shooting, and police say there is no known on-going threat to public safety.

Golden Cross Ambulance and Saxtons River Fire Department assisted police in the response to the shooting incident.

This investigation is on-going and police are asking that anyone with further information can contact the State Police at 802 722-4600.

 

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At about 3 a.m. this morning, Vermont State Police received a number of calls from residents of River Street in Saxtons River reporting numerous gunshots in their area.

Several State Police units were sent to the scene, where they set up a perimeter. Troopers reported that more gunshots were heard and that several of them hit nearby houses.

According to a press release, police learned that a man living in a house on River Street “may have been dealing with mental health issues,” but attempts to contact the man were unsuccessful. Police say they were also aware that a woman might also be in the house.

At 7:10 a.m. State Police sent a press release stating, “There is an active law enforcement situation occurring in Saxtons River. All traffic/personnel are asked to avoid the area. The road is blocked off on Main Street, more information as it develops.”

Vermont State Police sent a Crisis Negotiation Unit and a Tactical Services Unit and a member of the CNU was able to make contact with the subject who was identified as Anthony Smith, 53. Smith surrendered to troopers without incident.

Evidence at the scene reveals a number of homes were hit by gunshots. And, according to the State Police press release, evidence inside the Smith residence indicated that “he discharged rounds within the house.” It was not clear whether he was shooting from the house or whether he was shooting at something or someone inside the house, or both.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigations has taken over the investigation and police say more details may be released soon.