A police sergeant from Vermont has been charged with aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon and reckless endangerment stemming from a shooting incident last year that left two men injured during a vehicle investigation.

Rutland City Police Sergeant Andrew Plemmons reportedly fired his weapon into a vehicle while the occupants were attempting to flee, injuring both men inside. An investigation by state police concluded that Plemmons did not face imminent danger of serious injury or death at the time he resorted to deadly force against one of the men involved.

Plemmons has entered a plea of not guilty and is currently out on bail, with a stipulation preventing him from contacting the two victims.

The events unfolded on the night of July 3, 2023, when Plemmons was called to assist a K-9 officer who was examining a suspicious vehicle parked at the Giorgetti Athletic Complex. The car was occupied by Randy and Andy Perez-Coiscou, 21-year-old twin brothers from Springfield, Massachusetts.

Upon his arrival, Officer Radja utilized a police dog to scan the exterior of the vehicle, as indicated by body camera footage. After the dog seemed to indicate the presence of something suspicious inside, Radja informed Randy Perez-Coiscou that the vehicle would be impounded unless they agreed to a search.

When Randy appeared reluctant to comply, Radja opened the driver’s side door. In the ensuing moments, the vehicle suddenly started, prompting Radja to reach inside while Sergeant Plemmons positioned himself in front of the car, placing his hands on the hood and shouting for it to stop. Plemmons then drew his weapon and warned the driver that he would shoot if he did not comply, stating, “I’m gonna shoot you, stop it.” As the car moved forward, Plemmons stepped aside and fired at least three shots into the passenger compartment, resulting in the driver falling out of the vehicle, according to the affidavit.

The car continued to roll forward with the driver’s door ajar while Plemmons walked alongside it. Andy Perez-Coiscou then moved into the driver’s seat, halted the vehicle, and accelerated after closing the door, despite Plemmons repeatedly shouting for him to stop. Plemmons discharged his weapon at least twice through the open driver’s side window as Andy fled the scene, ultimately resulting in a crash outside the park, the affidavit detailed.

In the aftermath, Randy Perez-Coiscou has plead not guilty to two counts of felony aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer. His brother, Andy, has received a citation for possession of fentanyl. Fortunately, both brothers have since recovered from their injuries, as confirmed by police authorities.