POULTNEY, Vermont - A 32-year-old Poultney man was shot and killed early Friday morning by Vermont State Police troopers during a standoff at the suspect's home.

Michael Battles of 1703 Finel Hollow Road was shot as he stood in a second-story window of his home and pointed a silver revolver at police.

According to a release issued by State Police Criminal Division Commander, Major Glenn E. Hall, troopers responded to a domestic disturbance call being handled by a Rutland County Sheriff's deputy. The deputy requested assistance after Battle's fiance was found badly beaten and said he threatened to kill her.

The alleged victim told police that she ran from Battles but he chased her down and beat her when he caught her on the front lawn of a neighbor's home.

When police arrived, Battles barricaded himself in his home and shouted from a second-floor window, telling troopers he had "nothing to live for," and made a reference to "suicide by cop."

The trooper and deputy at the scene backed away and called for assistance. In addition to more Sheriff's Department personnel and State Police troopers, officers from the Castleton and Fair Haven departments responded. The State Police Tactical Service Unit also responded and set up a perimeter around the home.

After several hours of back and forth with Battles, including breaking in the front door of the home, troopers saw Battles stand up in the second story window and point a silver revolver at troopers outside. Five members of the Tactical Service Team fired multiple rounds at Battles and he died at the scene.

Once inside the house, troopers found Battles was armed with two handguns.

After a preliminary investigation, police found that Battles was a convicted felon and thus was prohibited from possessing firearms. At the time of the shooting, he was on probation for a number of charges.

The Rutland County State's Attorney and the Vermont Attorney General's Office are investigating the shooting. All of the troopers involved with Battle's death have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the inquiry.