Vermont State Police say Louras drove by the police station around 5:30 a.m. and fired . Burlington Chief Threatened to Arrest Doc Who Was Treating Gunshot Victim, Hospital Says, 7. They ask that anyone with information call the state police in Rutland at 802-773-9101. In prior years, Louras shaved his head, and rocked a Mohawk, for the same cause. The man killed in the officer involved shooting has been identified as Christopher Louras, 33, of Rutland. Louras brought this no-nonsense style to city hall, but not everyone loved it. Both men are supporting Phil Scott for governor. It was standing room only at the Godnick Adult Center, where more than 120 local Rutlanders were hammering officials from the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program about a plan to bring 100 Syrians to their city. that is degrading to another person. The United States has agreed to take in 85,000, including 10,000 Syrians, though the country has fallen behind on its schedule to fulfill that pledge. Since 2014, Seven Days has allowed readers to comment on all stories posted on our website. He came to Burlington for a three-hour meeting in December, and his pitch proved persuasive. Louras' rifle was found with a total of 15 cartridges remaining in a 30-cartridge capacity magazine, and on the front seat of his vehicle investigators found two 30-cartridge capacity magazines,. Christopher George Louras RUTLAND In memory of Christopher George Louras, a gathering for friends and family will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at his Rutland Obituaries | Local Obits for Rutland, VT - Legacy.com He said he's not ready to self-reflect on losing his sixth reelection bid in the midst of Rutland refugee resettlement debate. "It does not paint a pretty picture," Louras said. Merdzanovic was evasive when asked at the meeting if a "no" vote would prompt her organization to look elsewhere. Following high school, he served in the US Air Force in the Korean War as an Airplane Mechanic. Earlier that morning, police said, Louras fired multiple times into the front entrance of the citys police station before he was spotted about 90 minutes later and exchanged fire with the officers. Drugs are believed to be a factor in the Louras cousins Three are from 5, "I discount that totally," said Allaire. In 2010, Vermont State Police charged a Rutland police sergeant for viewing pornography on his work computer and removing a pornographic video from the police evidence locker. There were other officers on scene, but only those four opened fire. But what does being elderly even mean and what do Vermonters need to know as they age? Now that President Trump is expected to call . "He's a highly active, sometimes hyperactive guy who cares deeply, deeply for the Rutland community. The plan took many city officials by surprise. Stay on top of all of Vermont's criminal justice news. 'For the Love of Rutland' Documents Public and Private Sides of the Nicholas attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy and graduated from Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA, class of 2005. And thats where I went.". Bree Johnley death, obituary: Bree Isabel Johnley death what happened? Louras had cruised to reelection five times. No civilians or officers were injured in the gunfire. From 2014-2020, Seven Days allowed readers to comment on all stories posted on our website. I don't understand how the planning process works for this. wouldnt discuss that while the murder investigation is still underway in Meetings at city hall in 2016 were packed with people on both sides of the resettlement issue. "They come with goals and dreams, and we're here to give them the tools. Al Gobeille, Top Exec at UVM Health Network, to Resign, 5. Threats of harming another Vermont State Police on Tuesday confirmed that Christopher Louras was responsible for the murder of his cousin, Nicholas Louras. Ben Cohens Cannabis Company Tries to Undo the Harm of the War on Drugs, 5. Chris Louras, former mayor of Rutland, Vermont One of three homes seized on Park Avenue in Rutland, Vermont. "Rutland has been addressing our issues, and, having turned our community around, this is the next logical step to embrace New Americans and enjoy the economic and cultural benefits that level of diversity will provide," Louras said in an earlier interview. Donovan and Rutland County States Attorney Rose Kennedy Will the State Pony Up? Show me the plan. Other contributing factors to his death, the document stated, were gunshot wounds to his torso and extremities. Two Buildings That Straddle the Canadian Border Bedevil Tenants and a Health Inspector, 7. And it was. He got out with a rifle and officers from Rutland City and Rutland Town in downtown Rutland fired their weapons at him. Let's keep Rutland moving forward and build on the progress that we have made. Christopher George Louras | Obituaries | rutlandherald.com But at times, he has had little to say about what's gone wrong on his watch. Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Rutland, Vermont. "You've never heard of Agenda 21?". for sale by owner The discovery came as investigators followed up on a police shootout in Rutland earlier that day, that left his cousin, Christopher Louras, 33, of Rutland, dead. Technically, Louras was a maintenance pilot he oversaw repairs, then flew the choppers to make sure the work had been done right. "I have to imagine there's at least one or two people considering a run against him, thinking he's shot himself in the foot here, either for bringing in the refugees or the close-to-his-chest nature," predicted Notte. The city had become a defacto property manager, picking up the garbage and mowing lawns. When he was still mayor in April 2016, Louras announced the city would become Vermonts newest resettlement community and welcome 100 mostly Syrian refugees, with more expected to follow. Learn how Report for America and local philanthropists are contributing to the cause, Cyclist Killed in Crash With Truck While Riding in Rasputitsa Race, Shooting Victim Found on Downtown Burlington Sidewalk, The Tangled Tale Behind the Abrupt Resignation of Middlebury Union High Schools Principal. Louras said he struggles to find solace in that. ((JACK THURSTON: The former mayor's late son is also suspected ((MAYOR DAVE ALLAIRE / Rutland, VT: 12:18: this has been a tragic event for our community, and of course, personally for my family.)) RUTLAND Police have identified the body of a man found on the edge of a road in Salisbury as Nicholas Louras, the nephew of former Rutland City Mayor Christopher Louras whose son,. The name of the man found in Salisbury will be released following notification of his family and further investigation. Police have said the deaths are linked, but have stopped short of calling the younger Christopher Louras a suspect in his cousins death. There's an internal report documenting problems in the Rutland Police Department, but Louras did not release it to the public when news of Todd's lawsuit broke. With so many employers promising jobs, Rutland became Merdzanovic's top choice. Particularly galling, Louras said, was the reaction of Republican colleagues when he cosponsored a 2005 bill that would have made companies that produced genetically modified seeds liable for inadvertent crop damage on neighboring farms. But I'm not at the point where I'm willing to self-reflect, especially with a microphone., As to whether he regretted the way he handled the refugee resettlement issue, he was quick to say "no. Now, they say lab tests have confirmed it. Yeah, I get it. It has long struggled with a stagnant economy and a declining population and has failed to attract the young families it needs to grow. life or someone elses. Be Truthful. People take that for what it is genuine.". The date, time and location of his death is listed as October 2019/unknown, according to the document. Police are investigating the death as a possible homicide, along with potential links to the subsequent shooting at the Rutland Police Department and events occuring in a parking lot off Evelyn Street near the railroad tracks downtown. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "And there's ample housing," she added, in contrast to the real estate markets in Burlington and Winooski. But he also believed the mayor made a crucial mistake in not informing all the members of the board of aldermen ahead of time. "Have you ever experienced enough pushback that you've stopped the program?". My issue is process. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Lauzon's take on Louras: "When Chris believes in something, he goes at it. racist or sexually-oriented language. Separately, Chris Louras's mother says she and his grandmother loved her son dearly and miss him every day. The expectation of partisan loyalty also turned him off so much so that he studiously avoids stating the names of America's two major political parties. Rutland cousins both died of gunshot wounds to the head, records say Ironically, Rutland's refugee issue is now thoroughly politicized. With Bernie Looking On, Ben & Jerry's Scoopers Announce Progress in Union Talks, 1. Rutland has an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent, right around the statewide average of 3.2 and well below the national rate of 5 percent. Four officers fired on Louras in the shootout in which he also shot at the officers, according to police. More than 170 people turned out to a meeting at a Unitarian church, volunteering to help the refugees. This has been a tragic event for our community, and of course, personally for my family, said Mayor Dave Allaire, Rutlands current mayor, who is related by marriage to his predecessor at city hall and to both of the Louras cousins who died, Nick and Chris. Although he opposes marijuana legalization and other lefty causes, Louras has endorsed high-profile Democrats, including Gov. Vermont Gov. People are angry, said local physician Timothy Cook. The idea of bringing immigrants to Rutland was something Louras said he had been thinking about long before the world was focused on Donald Trump or the war in Syria. NECN chose not to broadcast or publish the moment Although he didn't speak that Wednesday night in May, Louras had already made his argument at other meetings and in the media: Bringing the refugees to Rutland would be a humanitarian act that also served the city's self-interest. Footage from a police cruisers dashboard camera, obtained by NECN Tuesday, shows a chase through a popular shopping areas parking lot in downtown Rutland on Oct. 8. Share with Us. People are highly motivated. Im looking into how aging in Vermont impacts living essentials such as jobs, health care and housing. "There was a considerable. Louras remembered sitting in his office with a former city attorney talking about what to do. post your listing. 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Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All content health/wellness The man killed in the officer involved shooting has been identified as Christopher Louras, 33, of Rutland. When he first left city hall, Louras worked briefly as a union representative, then for his family business, a tobacco and candy wholesaler in Rutland that the family recently sold after 75 years. As he sat in his messy office, Louras joked about making an appearance a few hours later at a local forum hosted by right-wing author Jim Simpson, who travels the country speaking out against refugees. Just know your family is in my families thoughts and prayers. After the brief chase, the officers drew their own guns, striking Louras nine times, with a fatal wound to the head, according to prosecutors who discussed their probe of the case during a news conference Tuesday in Rutland. Other communities, large and small, rely on professional managers, hired and overseen by elected boards, to run city hall. Make a one-time, tax-deductible donation to our spring campaign by May 12. Those in favor and those opposed quickly mobilized, and Rutland made national and international headlines as a microcosm of the larger refugee debate raging worldwide. It has quietly funneled most refugees who arrived in Vermont Bosnians, Somalians, Bhutanese, Congolese, Burmese and Iraqis to Burlington and Winooski. Vermont-Based Feds Pursue Fraud Claims Against Health Records Company, Newport Prison Superintendent Removed From Post, Former Rutland mayor Christopher C. Louras. The younger Louras, Vermonts attorney general said, was in a mental health crisis when he shot seven times at officers, as well as at the entrance of the Rutland City Police Department.After the brief chase, the officers drew their own guns, striking Louras nine times, with a fatal wound to the head, according to prosecutors who discussed their probe of the case during a news conference Tuesday in Rutland.We consider this matter now closed, announced Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan, who added that he does not consider the way Louras died to be the way the totality of his life should be judged.Donovan and Rutland County States Attorney Rose Kennedy both said they wont charge the four officers who returned fire. To criticize, correct or praise our reporting, please send us a letter to the editor or send us a tip. It serves him well many times and gets in his way many times, and I think he knows it. Get up to speed on the news Vermont is talking about, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Rutland, Vermont. Addison County. If you're looking for "ISpys," dating or LTRs, this is your scene. death is still under investigation in Addison County, Donovan said. It wouldn't be because of taxes. 255 So. Chance of rain 80%. Although his parents weren't much into politics, his uncle Peter Louras had served for years on the board. But, if enough of his constituents disagree, Louras knows he may not be in office to see his vision come to fruition. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Louras relationship with the board had always been contentious, and this wasnt the first time he had gone around them to get something done. As interpreted by Simpson and the segment of the populace that insists President Barack Obama is a Muslim, it's a conspiracy between the UN and liberals to create one world government. No one was injured. The cousins death is still under investigation in Addison County, Donovan said. Copyright 2015 - 23 CLIFFORD FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION SERVICE. The construction of Interstate 89 50 miles to the north contributed to the city's isolation. "He's not by any means your standard slick politician. Commissioners refused; Bossi resigned in 2012. VTDigger publishes a wide range of stories about Vermonts educational system from early childhood education issues to public and private K-12 schools to higher education. Christopher Louras death, obituary: 33 year old Christopher G. Louras was killed Tuesday in an early morning Rutland Vermont shooting with officers. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Other communities, large and small,. Separately, Chris Louras mother, Crystal King, told NECN and its affiliate, NBC 5 News, that she and Chris grandmother, Mary, loved the young man dearly and miss him every day. In the possible homicide in Salisbury case, the body of a man was discovered early Tuesday afternoon off Route 53, also known as Lake Dunmore Road. Investigators: Man killed cousin before deadly shootout with police, Bike race participant killed in Burke Saturday, Kuster tours health facilities in Upper Valley, Businesses say I Do to busy wedding season, Former Vt. mayor's son killed in police shootout; may be linked to homicide, Police ID officers in police-involved shooting in Rutland, Police connecting dots between Salisbury homicide, Rutland shootout, No update from police Friday on deaths of Louras cousins, Louras cousins both died of gunshot wounds, Louras family speaks out after cousins killed by gunfire, Vt. attorney general: 4 officers justified in fatal Rutland shooting, Police video reveals timeline of deadly officer-involved shooting. Louras was the son of Rutland's former longtime mayor, also named Chris Louras. Chris Louras for Rutland - Facebook That landed him at a number of large military bases in Texas, Alabama and Kentucky before the 1991 Gulf War. All content Louras said. Investigators have not yet identified a motive for the killing. "There's not a successful, vibrant and growing community in the country that hasn't embraced New Americans.". No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Vermont State Police have said they are not looking for any other suspects in Nicholas Louras death at this time, though the killing has called a homicide. Employees at Ben & Jerrys Burlington store celebrate companys commitment to fair union negotiations, Rachel Smolker: PUC snuffs out a chance to weigh in on a flawed pipeline, Kelsey Wentling: What FirstLight wont be doing for the next 10 years, Jennifer Durgin: Climate activists and evangelicals can be allies. A non-profit organization is restoring the properties, much to the delight of neighbors. ((Nats car crash)) After getting stuck on railroad tracks- the driver gets out, shooting at officers. The end-run has given his opponents political cover critics are now arguing against both the refugees and Louras' conduct and irritated some people who were inclined to support him. Walt Amses: Of popes and POTUS saints or sinners? Cloudy with showers. Louras' right forearm sports a red cross with a blood drop the result of a promise he made in 2013 to get a tattoo if Rutland broke the national record for one-day donations to a Red Cross blood drive. Life can be cruel and there are many twists and turns we may never understand. They engaged in secrecy for one simple reason they feared that involving the public sooner would derail the effort. My concern is: What's the plan?" VTDigger is now accepting letters to the editor. "I think someone could make hay with that.". Many who know the former mayor say this was an especially tough blow, and one he took personally. And he succeeded. According to Major Tradeau, Chris Louras, armed with an AR-15-style rifle exchanged some fire towards the officers. The citys Project Vision program has been working on improving the quality of life and addressing drug concerns in Rutland for years now. "The immigration and refugee agenda is one of their more malevolent issues," Simpson said. "He bounces all over the place. That feels good. VTDigger publishes daily stories on health care. The major wouldnt say if Chris Louras was a suspect in that homicide. The younger Louras,. Life is fragile, and we need to hold our loved ones tight, Allaire said at Tuesdays news conference. Yourcontribution will be matched! A key part of the plan is allowing refugees from Syria and other Middle East countries to infiltrate America, confiscate land, and set up fundamentalist Islamic control. According to a press release . An off-duty officer spotted the suspect car about an hour-and-a-half later, and a police chase ensued through the Rutland City Plaza. Officers won't be charged in shooting of former Rutland mayor's son, WHICH INVOLVED A HIGH- PROFILE FAMILY IN LOCAL POLITICS. It. Published June 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Both prosecutors praised police for facing a threat with bravery before anyone else was hurt. If all goes well, backers say, this will not be a one-off event: Rutland will take its place alongside Burlington and Winooski and welcome a new batch of refugees every year. He bleeds Rutland.". I'm just doing my thing, Louras said. A Rutland man who died last week in a shootout with police and his cousin whose body was found in Salisbury the same day were both killed by gunshot wounds to the head, according to state records released Tuesday. If GE were to leave the city of Rutland, it would be solely due to a lack of workforce.. Need more info? VRRP, the organization tasked by the U.S. Department of State with settling refugees in the state, usually accepts 300 refugees a year. Think outside the box this Mothers Day and opt for gifts other than flowers and chocolate. This year, there will be an estimated 60 million refugees and displaced people worldwide. Vermont Wants an Equitable Cannabis Industry. Separately, Chris Louras mother, Crystal King, told NBC5, that she and Chris grandmother, Mary, loved the young man dearly and miss him every day. Refugees are needy folks, said former Rutland City Treasurer Wendy Wilton. "We don't have a jobs problem," Louras said. He is the son of former Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras who served five two-year terms as the city's top elected official. After he accepted a plea deal and was fired from the force, Rutland aldermen urged the police commission to dismiss the man in charge: former chief Tony Bossi. homes for sale In 2007, he ran for mayor along with five other candidates. However, Donovan wouldnt discuss that while the murder investigation is still underway in Addison County. own cousin, Nicholas Louras, before that shootout with police. Bets are in. Goodbye, Off Message Blog. "The way it was handled in the fall of 2015 and the spring of 2016 was the only way it could have been handled in order to get the three families we did into Rutland.". "Ten years in office has tempered my style a little, and it hasn't tempered Chris," said Lauzon, adding that he would have handled the refugee situation differently. Theres no way we can possibly afford this.. If we dont get a say in this, this will be used in March.. Life is fragile, and we need to hold our loved ones tight, Allaire said at Tuesdays news conference. I was like, wow, what was he thinking, doing it that way?. or anything. Burlington's Old North End is full of restaurants and shops opened by refugees. We cover the states hospitals, the states psychiatric care system, the Green Mountain Care Board, insurers, state health care policy, Medicaid and Medicare. The cousins death is still under investigation in Addison County, Donovan said.This has been a tragic event for our community, and of course, personally for my family, said Mayor Dave Allaire, Rutlands current mayor, who is related by marriage to his predecessor at city hall and to both of the Louras cousins who died, Nick and Chris.Mayor Allaire voiced his full support for the men and women of the Rutland Police Department, and thanked them for their work in a high-stress and highly dangerous situation to prevent further loss of life.Separately, Chris Louras mother, Crystal King, told NBC5, that she and Chris grandmother, Mary, loved the young man dearly and miss him every day.Life is fragile, and we need to hold our loved ones tight, Allaire said at Tuesdays news conference.Allaire noted he is optimistic a focus on addressing substance use disorders and forming neighborhood partnerships in Rutland can help strengthen his community after the encounter many here say really rattled locals.The citys Project Vision program has been working on improving the quality of life and addressing drug concerns in Rutland for years now.Drugs are believed to be a factor in the Louras cousins deaths, as Gov. VPRs Nina Keck wanted to see how the city and those most closely involved with the refugee debate have changed because of it.