https://abcnews.go.com/US/suspect-arrested-shooting-3-students-palestinian-descent-vermont/story?id=105173520
Jason J. Eaton was detained Sunday afternoon near the site of the shooting, the Burlington Police Department said in a statement early Monday.
Yeah because DUIs happen on public roads so it would go to DOT before it would go to ATF, now if that person was transporting illegal alcohol then ATF would probably get involved.
That's not what BATFE does. I think they would be more into the gun running side of things. ("Doing or stopping?" Why, yes!)
From the article:
Police detectives, county personnel and federal agents spent Sunday canvassing the neighborhood near the shooting and conducting interviews with neighbors, authorities said. The FBI helped with “victim services and computer and cellphone analysis,” officials said.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were canvassing near the location of the shooting at about 3:38 p.m. when they “encountered and detained” Eaton, Burlington officials said.
Seems like they involved several agencies to canvas the area. Likely used whatever field offices were nearby. BAFTA just happened on the perp while doing so.
Well, for one, we aren't in "historical" times.
For two, who says? I bet you can find thousands of instances of orgs in the past launching a rescue/manhunt quickly.