LITCHFIELD -- The armed man who was shot by a police officer on Monday died from a single gunshot wound to the back, according to investigators.

The state Attorney General's Office is remaining tight-lipped about the case, but did confirm on Tuesday that Jason Lagueux, 35, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his back that perforated his right lung.

Authorities are still not identifying the police officer who pulled the trigger, and have refused to comment on what agency the officer is with or what prompted police to fire at Lagueux.

“We still have to speak with everyone and anyone who was involved, so we are not in a position to release that information right now,” said Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Agati. “I hope that will be available within a short time frame.”

Local police, along with deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department and state troopers, responded to Lagueux's mobile home at 31 Page Rd., unit #23, around 2 p.m. on Monday for a report of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers heard several shots and encountered Lagueux armed on his porch.
Michael Lewis, assistant attorney general, said Tuesday that he would not comment on whether Lagueux was firing a gun toward police or anyone else when police shot him.

“We are still only a day or so into the investigation and there are still interviews that need to be conducted,” said Lewis.

He expects a preliminary report to be made public within the next two to three weeks, which should include the officer's name and additional details surrounding the shooting.

Lagueux was treated at the scene following the shooting, and was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua where he was pronounced dead. The state police Major Crime Unit is investigating the case because it is an officer involved shooting.

“Every case is different because it involves its own set of facts,” Lewis said of determining whether police are justified in their actions. Speaking generally about these types of investigations, Lewis said forensic analysis testing will be conducted before a final report is issued, which does take some time.

Neighbors said that Lagueux lived at the mobile home by himself, and described him as a nice and friendly guy.

Some residents of the small mobile home park were evacuated when authorities initially arrived Monday afternoon. One occupant, Donald McCaffrey, described Lagueux as a man who loved life, and often talked about his daughter, who is in her early teens.

“He was a really friendly guy. I just don't understand what happened,” said McCaffrey, who referred to Lagueux as "Jay."

Authorities would not elaborate on how many gunshots were fired. Nearby residents said they heard gunshots throughout the day, some of them thinking the noise may have been fireworks.

Investigators said none of the responding officers, deputies or troopers were injured in the incident. Joseph O'Brion Jr., Litchfield Police Chief, has referred all questions to the Attorney General's Office.

khoughton@newstote.com