MILTON, VERMONT — On the evening of April 23, 2025, the quiet town of Milton was thrust into a harrowing and unprecedented situation when Sergeant Jason Rivers, a 17-year veteran of the Milton Police Department, was critically injured in what authorities are now calling a calculated ambush during a routine response to a reported residential fire. The officer, who was shot twice—once in the leg and once in the back—was assisting fire personnel at the scene when he was struck by gunfire. Officials say the bullet that struck Officer Rivers in the back was partially deflected by his department-issued ballistic vest, likely saving his life.
The gunman, later identified as Christopher “Chris” Halperin, 38, a local resident with a long history of mental health issues and prior encounters with law enforcement, allegedly opened fire without warning from inside the smoke-filled residence at 78 Main Street, triggering a violent and chaotic standoff that continues as of this writing.
Sergeant Rivers, a senior patrolman, is a well-respected member of the Milton Police Department. He has been with the department since 2008 and has served with distinction. In addition to his police career, Rivers is a former Marine who completed two tours in Afghanistan. He was reportedly the first officer on scene after the 911 call reporting visible flames and smoke coming from 78 Main Street. His arrival was a critical moment in the response to what initially seemed like a routine fire.
The attack on Officer Rivers occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m., as fire engines from the Milton Fire Department arrived on the scene. Firefighters were assessing the situation when gunfire erupted from inside the residence. Rivers had just begun coordinating a perimeter and assisting firefighters with potential evacuations when the first shots rang out. The gunman, Christopher Halperin, who was barricaded inside, opened fire on the first responders, striking Officer Rivers in the leg and back.
Emergency responders who were on the scene immediately tended to Rivers, stabilizing him on-site before transporting him under police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. As of Thursday morning, Rivers remains in serious but stable condition after undergoing surgery for the gunshot wound to his upper thigh. The bullet that struck his back did not penetrate his protective vest, and doctors believe the ballistic armor likely saved his life.
What began as a standard emergency response to a residential fire quickly escalated into a complex and dangerous tactical operation. Law enforcement officers immediately secured the area and began working with firefighters to ensure the safety of all personnel. The Vermont State Police (VSP) assumed command of the situation, coordinating efforts to contain the threat and ensure that the community remained safe. By 8:00 p.m., VSP had deployed a multi-agency tactical response that included SWAT units, crisis negotiators, and bomb disposal teams.
Christopher Halperin, the man responsible for the ambush, has been described as a lifelong resident of Milton with a documented history of mental health struggles. Over the years, Halperin has had multiple encounters with law enforcement, including several involuntary psychiatric holds. He also has a history of weapons-related charges, though those charges were later dismissed on grounds of incompetency. Halperin’s social media posts in the weeks leading up to the incident have raised alarming concerns. In one post dated April 19, he referenced auditory hallucinations and claims of being under mind control. These posts, which also included erratic videos and bizarre claims, prompted several people in the community to contact authorities, though no direct intervention had been made before the tragic events of April 23.
In the wake of the shooting, the VSP’s Tactical Services Unit (SWAT) and crisis negotiators have been in contact with Halperin, who remains barricaded inside the residence. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Halperin is armed and dangerous, and they are working to resolve the standoff peacefully. As of Thursday morning, police had established a secure perimeter around the home and evacuated several nearby residences for safety. The community, though shaken by the violence, has remained supportive of the police response and the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the area.
In an emotional statement, Milton Police Chief Susan Albright praised Officer Rivers for his bravery and dedication to his community. “Jason Rivers is one of the finest officers I’ve ever had the honor to serve with,” she said. “He has dedicated his life to protecting this community, and last night he put himself between danger and the public. We are standing by his family tonight, and we are united in prayer for his recovery.”
Governor Phil Scott of Vermont also expressed his condolences and condemned the attack. “This was an unacceptable act of violence against those who protect and serve,” he stated. “We will provide all necessary support for Officer Rivers’ recovery and for the ongoing investigation.”
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, they are also reviewing Halperin’s past interactions with law enforcement and mental health professionals. Neighbors of Halperin have reported disturbing behavior over the years, with some describing him as “erratic” and “frightening.” One neighbor recalled Halperin standing in his yard late at night, screaming into the woods. Others noted that he had often made paranoid statements about being under surveillance and targeted by unknown forces. Despite these red flags, no legal grounds existed to force Halperin into mental health treatment under Vermont law, which has prompted discussions about the state’s mental health infrastructure and law enforcement’s ability to intervene in cases like this.
Dr. Angela Hunt, a forensic psychologist at the University of Vermont, pointed to a systemic issue in dealing with individuals who have untreated mental health issues. “This tragedy highlights not only a failure in preventative care but also a lack of tools for law enforcement to intervene before violence erupts,” she said. Experts argue that the situation in Milton underscores a critical gap in both mental health services and law enforcement training to handle individuals experiencing severe psychological distress.
As the situation remains active, the Vermont State Police and other agencies continue to work toward a peaceful resolution. The police presence in Milton is expected to remain high for the foreseeable future as officers continue to secure the area and negotiate with Halperin. The community has expressed concern for the safety of their neighborhood but has rallied behind Officer Rivers and the law enforcement response.
A community vigil for Officer Rivers is scheduled for Friday evening at Bombardier Park West. The event will be attended by local residents, clergy, and officials, all coming together to show support for Rivers and his family. “We are a small town, but our hearts are big,” said Milton Mayor Kevin Chase. “Tonight we stand together — for Jason, for every first responder, and for a safer, more compassionate community.”
The Milton Police Benevolent Association has also established a GoFundMe page to assist Officer Rivers with medical expenses and support his family during his recovery. Residents are encouraged to show solidarity by displaying blue porch lights and ribbons in honor of Rivers and his service.
The events of April 23, 2025, will be remembered as a tragic reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily. Officer Rivers’ dedication to his community, his service as a Marine, and his courageous actions on the night of the shooting will not be forgotten. His resilience and bravery, along with the coordinated response of law enforcement agencies, prevented what could have been an even greater tragedy.
As the investigation continues and Officer Rivers’ recovery progresses, the community’s outpouring of support remains steadfast. This incident serves as a call to action, highlighting the need for better mental health care, improved response protocols, and a more comprehensive approach to ensuring public safety.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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