FAIR HAVEN — The Vermont State Police are continuing their investigation into a fatal shooting involving a Fair Haven police officer, which occurred on the evening of Monday, June 19 on Washington Street.
The man who was shot and killed has been identified as Kenneth Barber Jr., 38, of Castleton.
The officer involved is Detective Shaun Hewitt, who has been with the Fair Haven Police Department since 1998.
Hewitt started his law enforcement career with the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department in 1991 and later served with the Brandon Police Department.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident started shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Monday, when Barber, armed with a handgun, left a residence at 26 Washington St.
He became involved in a dispute with several residents of 28 Washington St.
These residents were reportedly able to restrain Barber and separate him from his gun.
Detective Hewitt responded to the scene following emergency calls regarding the ongoing altercation.
Barber then broke free, accessed a vehicle, and attempted to drive away, striking Hewitt with the vehicle.
Hewitt responded by firing his service weapon once, striking Barber.
The autopsy, carried out on Tuesday, June 20, at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington, confirmed the cause of Barber’s death as a gunshot wound to the torso and classified the manner of death as a homicide.
The Fair Haven Police Department, which does not equip its officers with body-worn or cruiser cameras, is cooperating with the state police investigation.
Detectives have taken statements from witnesses and reviewed bystander video footage.
The Crime Scene Search Team has processed the location of the shooting and released the scene.
The state police are encouraging anyone with relevant information about the incident to contact the Rutland Barracks at 802-773-910.
