PUTNEY, VT (MyKeeneNow) Authorities have released the names of the Vermont State Police trooper and the man killed during a confrontation at a Putney apartment complex Monday afternoon.

The trooper who discharged his weapon has been identified as Peter Romeo, a member of the Vermont State Police since 2022 and currently assigned to the Westminster Barracks. Romeo is now on paid leave, as per departmental policy during critical incident investigations.

The man fatally shot has been identified as 55-year-old Scott Garvey, a resident of the Putney Landing Apartments, where the incident occurred. An autopsy performed Tuesday determined Garvey died from gunshot wounds to the torso and left leg. His death was classified as a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington.

The incident unfolded over the course of two days, beginning late Sunday night when police first received a call from Garvey’s apartment regarding a mental health concern. That initial call was handled over the phone by a mental-health caseworker working with state police. No troopers were sent to the apartment at the time.

By Monday morning, Garvey’s behavior reportedly escalated. Police received additional calls from residents at the complex, including one reporting that Garvey was outside making threats and behaving erratically. Troopers, accompanied by the embedded mental-health professional, arrived at the scene. Garvey eventually retreated to his apartment and barricaded himself inside while continuing to make threatening statements, including references to self-harm.

Police spoke with neighbors who also described Garvey’s actions as threatening. Based on those reports, troopers obtained both a search and an arrest warrant.

At around 4:30 p.m., officers entered Garvey’s residence. According to police, Garvey was holding an object they believed to be a firearm and did not respond to verbal commands. Trooper Romeo then fired his weapon, striking Garvey. Garvey was pronounced dead at the scene.

Afterward, a search of the apartment did not uncover any firearms, according to state police.

Multiple agencies, including the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, Windham County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the VSP Office of Internal Affairs, are conducting parallel investigations into the use of force.

Police continue to request assistance from the public. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600 or submit an anonymous tip at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

No additional information is being released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.