After continued investigation through Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, detectives with the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations preliminary investigation has revealed that at approximately 8:30 pm Tuesday Gregory Filo, age 42 of Bennington, walked into the lobby of the Bennington Police Department and was acting erratically. A friend of Filo's also entered the lobby. A BPD dispatcher observed Filo with a knife making a stabbing motion at the friend. Believing that the friend had been stabbed, the dispatcher communicated this information with BPD police officers within the police station.
When officers entered the lobby, Filo brandished the knife in a threatening manner. Repeated verbal commands from the BPD officers to Filo to drop the knife were reportedly ignored as he advanced on the police officers. One of the officers fired his duty weapon once, striking Filo. BPD officers immediately called for rescue and began rendering first aid to Filo. BPD officers ascertained, at that time, that Filo's friend had not been injured in any way. At this time, BPD contacted the Vermont State Police for assistance.
Filo is in stable condition and still receiving medical treatment at the Albany Medical Center. No one else was injured in this incident.
Investigators are working with the Bennington County State's Attorney's Office regarding possible charges again Filo. And once complete, the criminal investigation will be reviewed, independently, by both the Bennington County State's Attorney and Vermont Attorney General's Office, as is customary in an officer-related shooting.
The Bennington Police officer is on paid administrative leave per protocol. The name of the Bennington Police officer will be released as soon as possible, based on the needs of the investigation.
This remains an active, ongoing investigation. An update will be released once more information is available.
Bennington, VT - 4/22/14 - Vermont State Police