The Vermont Attorney General's Office has completed its review of the officer-involved shooting that took place on June 12, 2024, in Orange, Vermont. Attorney General Charity Clark announced that Trooper Adam Roaldi will not face prosecution for his actions during the incident involving Jason Lowery. The decision was also supported by the Orange County State’s Attorney’s Office after conducting an independent review.
Attorney General Clark stated that Trooper Roaldi's use of force was "objectively reasonable and justified" under Vermont law. The conclusion was based on the assessment that Trooper Roaldi believed he was in imminent danger of death or serious injury from Mr. Lowery and acted to defend himself appropriately. This determination followed a comprehensive examination of all evidence provided by the Vermont State Police.
The incident began when Trooper Roaldi arrived at a residence for a welfare check requested by a case manager concerning a child and their father. On site, he found Mr. Lowery unconscious in a vehicle with a sawed-off shotgun beside him and suspected an overdose due to a needle in Mr. Lowery's arm. Emergency Medical Services were called, but upon regaining consciousness, Mr. Lowery engaged with Trooper Roaldi before exiting his vehicle after some hesitation.
A struggle occurred as Trooper Roaldi attempted to secure the shotgun from the vehicle, during which Mr. Lowery gained control of the weapon and aimed it at Trooper Roaldi. In response, Trooper Roaldi discharged his service weapon three times at Mr. Lowery, who fell but continued handling the shotgun, prompting three additional shots from Trooper Roaldi.
Backup officers arrived quickly to provide aid until paramedics pronounced Mr. Lowery dead at the scene from gunshot wounds to his neck and torso.
Citing statute 13 V.S.A. § 2305(3), it was concluded that given the circumstances leading up to and during the event, any reasonable officer would have seen no viable alternative to using deadly force for self-defense against potential fatal harm.