Vermont sheriff's deputy shot multiple times by police following gunfight in New York

Early Sunday, an off-duty Vermont sheriff's deputy was shot multiple times by police in Saratoga Springs, New York, following a gunfight with a group of men.

According to authorities, around 3 a.m. on Sunday, the off-duty deputy got into a heated argument with a group of six men that resulted in an exchange of fire, WRGB reported.

The deputy claimed three men slammed him into a vehicle and shoved him to the ground. The deputy alleged that he responded to the assault by brandishing his firearm at a man in the group who was also carrying a gun.

The two men exchanged between seven and eight shots, police stated.

Officers in the area heard the exchange of gunfire and responded to the scene. Authorities reported that they witnessed the deputy holding a gun when they approached the area.

Officers' bodycam footage from the incident captured police repeatedly demanding that the off-duty deputy drop his weapon. When he did not comply, police fired at least 11 times.

"As they make that turn, what they see is the Vermont sheriff's deputy standing on the sidewalk," said Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner Jim Montagnino. "His gun leveled and moving from side to side, pointing the gun. You hear the officers repeatedly, loudly, direct the deputy to drop the gun, get on the ground, again and again."

Montagnino stated that there were at least eight clear commands from officers directing the deputy to drop his weapon and that all of them were ignored.

The police department is currently under investigation by New York State Attorney General Letitia James regarding arrests made during Black Lives Matter protests in July 2021.

As a result, Montagnino decided to release surveillance and bodycam footage from Sunday's shooting.

"I've decided in the interest of transparency to release, at this point, certain information that some of the authorities would not like to see revealed," said Montagnino.

Police reported that the deputy sustained 10 bullet wounds. He was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition, according to WRGB.

The other man involved in the gunfight was injured, and a woman, believed to be the deputy's girlfriend, suffered a graze wound.

Three officers were involved in the shooting, but none were injured.

Authorities are still investigating the incident. According to Saratoga Spring Police, it was the first time in 26 years that officers discharged their weapons.