Officers won't be charged in shooting of former Rutland mayor's son, WHICH INVOLVED A HIGH- PROFILE FAMILY IN LOCAL POLITICS. "We decided that would be a great idea to try to replicate what happened at the turn of the century, when all the southern and eastern Europeans came to Rutland and built this community," he said. Louras thinks some of those who have settled into Chittenden County might decide to move south, where housing is cheaper. Louras brought this no-nonsense style to city hall, but not everyone loved it. Donovan and Rutland County States Attorney Rose Kennedy Christopher Louras death, obituary: 33 year old Christopher G. Louras was killed Tuesday in an early morning Rutland Vermont shooting with officers. "The people that have concerns about process, the people that say they have concerns about process, my issue with that is the other option would have been voting on allowing people to come into our community," Louras said. "I've got voters who invited that guy to come to Rutland!". A French Private Equity Firm Owns Six Vermont Childcare Centers, a Possible Harbinger of Things to Come, Vermont Senate Backs Expansion of 'Death With Dignity' Law, Burlington Ballot Proposes Big Changes in City Election Rules, Burlington Considers Kicking Fossil Fuels to the Curb, A resident reading a flier about resettlement, by Mark Davis, Chelsea Edgar and Ken Picard. 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. A Rutland Welcomes Facebook page has 1,000 members. However, Donovan "There's a potential workforce here, not unlike lots of places, that isn't interested in the sort of grungy, dirty, hardworking, entry-level jobs that are the sort of thing you will do because you're glad for a fresh start," said Notte. Literally. But people who know the 58-year old say the transition out of public life has been difficult for him. He recalls a fellow Republican telling him, "You shouldn't be supportive of the bill because those people don't vote for us.'" Christopher G. Louras, 33, was killed Tuesday after exchanging gunfire in downtown Rutland on the morning of Oct. 8 following a short pursuit in the Rutland Shopping Plaza parking lot, police said. It wouldn't be because of transportation infrastructure. "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. Despina N. Louras, 91, of Rutland, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 27, 2013, at Mountain View Center. Christopher Louras is the son of former Rutland mayor Christopher C. Louras. The fact that we shut the doors on tens of thousands of families just like them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. UVM Student Wins Inaugural Nonbinary Division at Boston Marathon, 6. Chris Louras for Rutland. 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. post your service, apartments Acting unilaterally, however, may have jeopardized his laudable gambit. Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Rutland, Vermont. VRRP never announces refugee arrivals in Burlington or Winooski. 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. Chris, the youngest of three children born to Gus and Ruth, chose a different path. 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,. The major wouldnt say if Chris Louras was a suspect in that homicide. Mayor Chris Louras Rutland and Burlington are the only two Vermont cities in which an elected mayor functions as the day-to-day chief executive officer. And for someone who was very much in the public eye, he's not anymore. Louras alleges that many of those finding fault with the "process" are being disingenuous: Their real objection, he said, is to the idea of welcoming refugees to Rutland. 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. homes for sale Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. said State Rep. Peter Fagan (R-Rutland). If I had been brought in on the front end of this and had been given the information that apparently a select few of the elites had been given, I would have guaranteed the vetting process was thorough and there would be a program laid out about how these people would assimilate; I would have been at the front of the line welcoming them with open arms. The city's population has steadily declined since 1970, and the U.S. Census Bureau forecasts that it will sink further, from 16,500 today to 14,800 in 2030. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, said in October. With Bernie Looking On, Ben & Jerry's Scoopers Announce Progress in Union Talks, 1. Andrew Todd, now with the Vermont State Police, also accused Rutland police officers of racially profiling drug suspects, carrying on inappropriate relationships with female confidential informants and drinking on duty. Mr. Louras is survived by a brother, Gus Louras, of Rutland and a sister, Marie Louras, of Rutland. bravery before anyone else was hurt. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. He can be reached at mpolhamus@vtdigger.org. In 1998, Louras ran for a seat in the Vermont House of Representatives as a Republican and lost by 115 votes to Democrat Diane Carrol. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, said in October. Fairlee Developer Wants to Help Others Tackle Small-Town Housing Roadblocks, 4. The Vermont State Police learned that a mans body was discovered off of Vermont Route 53, also known as Lake Dunmore Road, in Salisbury. Louras died to be the way the totality of his life should be judged. If he wins reelection he told Seven Days he will run for a new two-year term in 2017 he will be the longest-serving mayor in Rutland history. Christopher Louras death, obituary: 33 year old Christopher G. Louras was killed Tuesday in an early morning Rutland Vermont shooting with officers. Critics worried about how the city would pay for a large influx of new residents. At the same time, local employers like GE were complaining about the citys shrinking workforce. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. Obituary | Nicholas N. Louras | CLIFFORD FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION SERVICE "Not a lot I can learn from that guy!" In the first of her three part series, Nina caught up with the former mayor. 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. 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. Nick Louras, 34, of Rutland, was found dead of gunshot wounds off Route 53 in Salisbury last October. Smathers, who is now the director of the Rutland Free Library, said he fully supported the idea of bringing in refugees. Although he opposes marijuana legalization and other lefty causes, Louras has endorsed high-profile Democrats, including Gov. And it was. Or send us a tip. But it wasnt until late 2015, when former Governor Peter Shumlin announced Vermont would open its doors to Syrian refugees, that Louras saw an opportunity to act on his idea. Our environmental reporter is Mike Polhamus. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Louras was one of only two Republicans who signed onto the bill, which former Republican governor Jim Douglas vetoed. In prior years, Louras shaved his head, and rocked a Mohawk, for the same cause. In August, the Rutland Chapter of the NAACP awarded Louras its "Courage in Action Award" for his efforts on behalf of Syrian refugees. Right in Rutland: Will Mayor Chris Louras Fall on His Sword for 100 I'd be honored to hav Investigators have not yet identified a motive for the killing. "It was an itch I had to scratch," he said. Two Buildings That Straddle the Canadian Border Bedevil Tenants and a Health Inspector, 7. Ben Cohens Cannabis Company Tries to Undo the Harm of the War on Drugs, 5. Even the governors who protested the arrival of Syrian refugees last fall have no legal authority to close off their states. Chris Louras shot up the police station on Wales Street around 5:30 a.m., firing multiple times into the buildings front entrance and then fleeing the scene. Tuesday the A.G. and the Rutland County State's Attorney announced they won't charge the four officers who returned fire: three from Rutland Both prosecutors praising police for facing a threat with bravery before anyone else was hurt. Scoopers at Ben & Jerry's in Burlington Seek to Unionize. There is no bigger advocate for the city of Rutland." The plan took many city officials by surprise. It didn't help when local, national and even international journalists descended on Rutland's blighted Northwest and Southwest neighborhoods, portraying the areas as ground zero in Vermont's "opiate crisis.". The mayor and father of four stated firmly, "Refugee resettlement should not be a political issue.". Drugs are believed to be a factor in the Louras cousins deaths, as Gov. A constant presence at municipal meetings and other local gatherings, he doubles as the city's public relations director. Donovan and Rutland County States Attorney Rose Kennedy both said they wont charge the four officers who returned fire. They walked away from the homes we had squatters," Louras said. The Tangled Tale Behind the Abrupt Resignation of Middlebury Union High Schools Principal, 4. While weve appreciated the suggestions and insights, the time has come to shut them down at least temporarily. 5, There was a pursuit, a few hundred yards. Last week, the first two of an expected 25 Syrian refugee families arrived in Rutland, Vt., a scenic, blue-collar town of 16,000 people. Christopher George Louras | Obituaries | rutlandherald.com Cindy Seager. to oust the incumbent mayor in March 2017. get the three families we did into Rutland. The citys Project Vision program has been working on improving the quality of life and addressing drug concerns in Rutland for years now. We consider this matter now closed, announced Vermont At foreclosure auctions, some four-bedroom homes have sold for less than $20,000. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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,. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Deputies investigating church donation box burglary, Flooding closes multiple roads in Canajoharie, 98.3 TRY Social Dilemma: Neighbors swimming, 05/01/2023: Exercise for your umbrella and wipers, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day. Despina Louras Obituary (2013) - Rutland, VT - Rutland Herald When no jobs appealed to him after college, Louras enlisted as a warrant officer in the U.S. Army and learned to fly twin-rotor Chinook helicopters. 5, He can be reached at jcraven@vtdigger.org. But he also believed the mayor made a crucial mistake in not informing all the members of the board of aldermen ahead of time. Last year, the city paid $975,000 to settle claims from a former African American Rutland police officer who said he was a victim of racial bias from fellow officers. From Rutland High School, he went straight to the University of Vermont, where he graduated with a political science degree in 1982. They ask that anyone with information call the state police in Rutland at 802-773-9101. Three are from Nick Louras, 34, of Rutland, was found dead of gunshot wounds off . That landed him at a number of large military bases in Texas, Alabama and Kentucky before the 1991 Gulf War. As mayor, he definitely weathered his share of criticism. Cloudy with showers. She can be reached at ehewitt@vtdigger.org. Officers cleared in Rutland shootout that killed ex-mayor's son There will be no criminal charges filed against four Vermont Both prosecutors praised police for facing a threat with bravery before anyone else was hurt. Kelly Clarkson's Home Collection Is Up to 74% Off During Way Day Deals, The Best Wayfair Way Day Deals 2023 Starting at $30, Wayfair's Way Day Sale Includes Up to 60% Off Outdoor Furniture Here's What to Shop ASAP, Amazon Has So Many Good Mother's Day Gifts on Sale Right Now. The man killed in the officer involved shooting has been identified as Christopher Louras, 33, of Rutland. ((He's got a gun!)) So besides the three refugee families that moved to Rutland, Louras is probably the one whos seen his life change the most because of how resettlement played out in this city. a mental health crisis when he shot seven times at officers, as well as at the I'm just doing my thing, Louras said. ((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.)) 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. Police had always suspected that Christopher Louras killed his cousin. Trapeni was incensed at what he called the secrecy of the way resettlement was rolled out. Now, they say lab tests have confirmed it. both said they wont charge the four officers who returned fire. Everyone in the room knew who he was. Like a nerdy sailor, he mixes in expressions like "gosh," "good golly" and "holy moly" with actual swear words. ", Not a bit," Louras said. Just know your family is in my families thoughts and prayers. We've chosen to freeze the video before it shows 33- year-old Christopher Louras fall after getting struck by police bullets. Louras grabbed his iPad and gleefully pulled up a video of Simpson speaking at a recent event in New Hampshire. ", Although Louras said the planning "maybe could have been handled a little better," he insisted that if he could do it all over again, he wouldn't change anything. Louras was the son of Rutlands former longtime mayor, also Three years after placing himself in the center of Rutland's refugee resettlement debate and losing his mayoral seat, Christopher Louras only regrets the refugee families who never came. He got out with a rifle and officers from Rutland City and Rutland Town in downtown Rutland fired their weapons at him. 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. Show me the plan. He is the son of former Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras who served five two-year terms as the city's top elected official. person will not be tolerated. For that, Louras is supposed to answer for the actions of city employees including the police. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, said in October. Louras has given very few interviews since he left office in 2017. VRRP, the organization tasked by the U.S. Department of State with settling refugees in the state, usually accepts 300 refugees a year. 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. People are highly motivated. VPRs Nina Keck wanted to see how the city and those most closely involved with the refugee debate have changed because of it. However, through the surveillance cameras that the police department had, police was able to identify the vehicle and its registration. Police have not said how the two deaths are linked, other than the familial relationship between the two. Need more info? Be Proactive. . Required fields are marked *. Former Vt. mayor's son killed in police shootout; may be linked to homicide Chris Louras for Rutland - Facebook And he said his conviction has grown even stronger after watching the backlash and the level of acrimony that he says still exists three years later. Police say the younger Louras is suspected of shooting twice into the Rutland City police headquarters. "Now should I be looking at the positive? Louras and allies insist that the supporters outnumber the opponents. "People lived full lives before coming to the U.S.; we have to remember that," Merdzanovic said. Louras was the son of Rutland's former longtime mayor, also named Chris Louras. Other communities, large and small,. Rutland, VT (05701) . They want to give the best possible future to their children because they lost everything.". The fleeing vehicle became lodged trying to cross a set of train tracks on the edge of the large parking lot near the Amtrak train station. Theres no way we can possibly afford this.. Shooting Victim Found on Downtown Burlington Sidewalk, 3. ", "I would have preferred more advance notice. But the 58-year-old said the pushback he got on refugees was different, fueled in part by the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the 2016 presidential campaign. He reports on criminal justice issues for VTDigger. "The first thing I'm going to do is schedule a public hearing.". After Alderwoman Sharon Davis slammed him and the crowd erupted in applause, he assured a reporter, "Nothing I haven't heard before.". Keep it Clean. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Last November, after the Paris terrorist attacks, several Republican governors across the country declared they would not welcome refugees fleeing Syria into their states, citing concerns about possible terrorist infiltration. If we dont get a say in this, this will be used in March.. Make a one-time, tax-deductible donation to our spring campaign by May 12. Burlington's Old North End is full of restaurants and shops opened by refugees. Need more info? 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. But, if enough of his constituents disagree, Louras knows he may not be in office to see his vision come to fruition. 2023 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. Does Lauzon take his own advice? These days, however, politics are notably absent from his private sector job managing a local distribution business. Louras won by a landslide and hasn't lost a race since. All content The construction of Interstate 89 50 miles to the north contributed to the city's isolation. When asked if he had any plans to re-enter politics, the former mayors answer came fast: Hell no. The Vermont State Police responded to the scene to continue the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. 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After getting stuck on railroad tracks, the driver gets out and can be seen shooting at officers, who return fire. "This has to be planned very, very well. Well check it out and report the results. This, along with support from the local fire department who had their own beef with Louras was enough to oust the incumbent mayor in March 2017. Both men are supporting Phil Scott for governor. For that, I am eternally grateful to these officers and thank them for their actions, Kennedy said. People are angry, said local physician Timothy Cook. Louras got in line. Copyright 2015 - 23 CLIFFORD FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION SERVICE. The Tangled Tale Behind the Abrupt Resignation of Middlebury Union High Schools Principal, 2. Nicholas Louras body was found by a passerby early on the afternoon of Oct. 8 on the edge of Route 53, also known as Lake Dunmore Road, in the Addison County town of Salisbury, about a 40-minute drive to Rutland. Vermont Gov. 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. Louras is adamantly opposed to a vote. Louras and four officers three from the city police, one from the Rutland Town force exchanged numerous shots. Mr. Louras was owner of Nick Louras Auto Body Shop. According to Major Tradeau, Chris Louras, armed with an AR-15-style rifle exchanged some fire towards the officers.
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