Man shot by officer during confrontation was person of interest in Vermont murder.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An officer shot a suspect in the chest during a confrontation on Blanding Boulevard Wednesday evening, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says. According to JSO, the man was identified as Brenton A. Paquin, a suspect in two armed robberies in Lake County, Florida, and a person of interest in a murder in Vermont.

According to JSO, around 6:30 p.m., an officer noticed a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle used in a robbery in Clermont, Fla.

JSO Chief Alan Parker says Paquin was found approaching the vehicle while walking a dog. Paquin confirmed that the car belonged to him.

When the officer asked him to sit down, Paquin "ignored him, stayed on his phone, and tried to brush past him" to get to the car, Parker said.

According to Parker, the officer attempted to grab Paquin, but he got into the front of a vehicle and pulled out a gun.

"It wasn't as simple as as turning around with a gun in his hand," Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said. "He was very, very close."

The officer fired at Paquin, who then dropped the gun. Aid was rendered once backup arrived to assist the officer. The Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department then took Paquin to the hospital.

Parker said that as of Tuesday night, Paquin had been through surgery and was in stable condition.