Man gunned down in Vermont believed to be from Capital Region

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

RUTLAND, Vt. — The Vermont State Police says a man shot to death by a trooper was wanted in New York and had a long criminal history that included drug crimes.

Police say 36-year-old James Lamont, who was from the Albany area, disobeyed police commands and drew a loaded .380 caliber handgun during a traffic stop at about 9 p.m. Thursday in Rutland.

Police say Trooper Christopher Lora fired five shots at Lamont, who died at the scene.

Vermont State Police Col. Thomas L’Esperance says police had been looking for Lamont since earlier in the week after they were told he had robbed drug dealers in Vermont and New York and that he may have been in the Rutland area.

L’Esperance didn’t know how many times Lamont was hit.