Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. You have permission to edit this article. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. BENNINGTON A well-known local Bennington man was arrested late Thursday evening after he allegedly attempted to break into the Bennington Courthouse by punching in different codes in the keypad security system. Officers searching the night of the crash with a K-9 unit reported hearing branches breaking in the woods near a 10-foot wildlife fence and called out, saying, Bennington Police K-9 unit. VSP News Releases Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000 The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. The report was commissioned after revelations that Bennington officials withheld relevant evidence from then-Attorney General T.J. Donovans investigation into racial harassment of then-local resident and state legislator Kiah Morris, as well as multiple Vermont Supreme Court decisions concerning unlawful BPD traffic stops of Black motorists. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please, We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by, Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse, Southern Vermont Arts Center high school student art show reception postponed because of weather, Court deems River Bend Market assault suspect fit for trial, Fire destroys home on Northside Drive this morning, Support our journalism. Twelve Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Narcotics Trafficking VSP News Releases Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000 The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. According to a news release from BPD Chief Paul Doucette, around 11:15 a.m. Monday, town police received a call about "a male attacking a female" along the Walloomsac River walkway between North and School streets. Bennington Police looking for men who allegedly robbed store On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Chinnicis case is emblematic of well-documented problems with Benningtons police department, and it shows how much further Vermont still has to go to establish a culture of accountability in law enforcement. While attempting several times to acquire copies of police reports concerning the crash, family members and friends of Heck have alleged that the BPD was negligent for not trying harder to find him afterward. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. An independent report by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) concluded in 2020 that BPD exhibited a warrior mentality and hadlost the trust of many residents. . by: Courtney Ward. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. He said he stopped after the crash and asked if Heck was OK, and Heck repeatedly said he was before running from the scene to the south of the highway near the Austin Hill Road underpass. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, SP: Albany man arrested after driving while on drugs, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, War Room offers free meals to workers helping with, Albany Sheriff: Pair arrested for illegal gun possession. Slashing death in broad daylight in Bennington leads to - VTDigger A traffic stop was conducted and the operator of the vehicle, Geoffrey Sauer was taken into custody for DUI #1, Negligent Operation, and Possession of Stolen Property. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A drug bust in Bennington on Monday ended with police arresting eight people, including one who jumped out a second-story window. At one point, Wright filmed a sheriffs deputy as he washed his car at a public car wash, asking the deputy how he paid for the wash. In addition, BPD officers made multiple misrepresentations in their application for a warrant to search Mr. Chinnicis cell phone, including omitting key details from witness descriptions of the suspect that did not match Mr. Chinnici. Bennington Police Department press release Jan. 11, 2021 Winds light and variable. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. Police said the material later was matched to a tear in the leg of Hecks jeans when he was found and he had been bleeding. . South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. Preliminary investigation revealed that Jelley's vehicle was travelling East on Burgess Road when the vehicle exited the south side of the roadway for unknown reasons. The vehicle then struck two medium/large trees which caused significant contact damage to the front of the truck and tore the passenger side of the vehicle from the rest of the truck cab. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. This includes having more open conversations about coping with stress and trauma within the Bennington Police Department and informing the public, as well as elected and appointed officials, of the stress and demands on officers and staff. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks / Simple Assault A phone number police obtained for the registered owner of the Nissan, the drivers sister, Karen Heck, was found to no longer be in service, police said. In a follow-up interview on Feb. 1, Hager told police he was going from Hoosick Falls, N.Y., to Home Depot in Bennington prior to the crash. Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. A New York State Police Aviation Unit helicopter located an area of interest off Route 279 that led to discovery of the body that morning. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. BENNINGTON, Vt. Bennington, Vt., Police have released the name of the individual who fell to their death off the Chapel Road-Route 279 overpass on Feb. 20. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. The search had been suspended on Friday night, according to the reports, because of darkness, the cold, the loss of the scent track, and not knowing if the male had a weapon.. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault - NEWS10 ABC They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Sgt. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Doucette said he wanted to point out a misconception repeated on social media that the body was 200 yards from the scene of the crash, when Heck actually was found approximately that distance from Route 279 but much farther toward the New York line from the actual crash site near the Austin Hill Road underpass. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. According to a news release from BPD Chief Paul Doucette, around 11:15 a.m. Monday, town police received a call about a male attacking a female along the Walloomsac River walkway between North and School streets. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper C. Shepley, INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 7 Shaftsbury/Sunderland VT, VIOLATION: DUI #1, Negligent Operation, Possession of Stolen Property. Bennington Police Department | Bennington VT - Facebook BENNINGTON Two town residents were arrested Thursday after police said they found a semi-automatic rifle and handgun along with suspected illegal drugs and thousands in cash during an investigation. Police said they were advised by several witnesses that a driver, later determined to be Heck, exited the vehicle, grabbed an item from the back seat area and placed it in the front pocket of his sweatshirt.. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Like us on Facebook. ACLU of Vermont Staff Attorney Hillary Rich: No one should be subjected to the dishonest and coercive tactics that John Chinnici experienced at the hands of Bennington police. Don't miss the big stories. 'Energetic destructive device' found at house in Bennington, Vt He was taken into custody soon after. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. The driver then fled the scene on foot running south into the wooded area, police said they were told, and that the driver appeared to be intoxicated. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. Although the employees described the second robber as a Hispanic male with an accent weighing 170-190 poundscharacteristics that in no way resembled Mr. Chinniciofficers disregarded more likely suspects and immediately targeted Mr. Chinnici. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. I stand by the actions of the officers.. Riendeau was transported to the Shaftsbury barracks where she was processed and issued a citation to appear in Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division to answer to the charge of DUI #2 on 3-13-23 at 0815 hours. Bombard said his friend was in a good mood and not in any arguments or confrontations while at the Man of Kent, according to the report. Heck also had a conceal carry firearms permit from the state of Florida, where the Nissan was registered, and was seen taking something from his vehicle before running from the crash scene before police arrived. Bennington Police investigate reports of shots fired : Mr. According to reports from the officers involved, witnesses said Heck, 35, was involved in an apparent road rage incident and attempting to pass a pickup truck near the Austin Hill Road underpass when his Nissan Frontier pickup truck swerved and struck the side of the other vehicle. Winds light and variable. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) Vermont State Police are reporting the arrest of Max Misch, 38, of Bennington for violating the conditions of his release. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. . Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. or the public information officer. Sauer was later processed at the Shaftsbury State Police Barracks and released with a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division on 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. Share this page on your favorite Social network. Occasional snow showers. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. Police said medical examiner and a toxicology reports later showed that Heck had no significant injuries as a result of the crash, and he had a blood-alcohol level of .151, well above the .08 legal limit, along with cocaine and marijuana in his system. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. You have permission to edit this article. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. After hours of Mayhew refusing to implicate Mr. Chinnici, BPD Chief Paul Doucette deviated from BPD policy and conducted an unrecorded and non-memorialized interview with Mayhew. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. If members of the Bennington community want changes to police department operations, the Police Chief should inform the public of potential costs and benefits of that change allowing the community to make informed and appropriate decisions. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies. In a follow-up report on Feb. 2, Harrington said he had talked with Bombard by phone about Hecks demeanor while at the Man of Kent Jan. 8. Hager told police that he passed Hecks vehicle, which then began high-beaming him a number of times before speeding up and passing him, police reported. Low 29F. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. In one report, Officer Amanda Knox said she found a 4- by 4-inch piece of denim while searching the area for Heck on Sunday. BENNINGTON - Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette tests his skills against the third grade class at Monument Elementary School on Friday morning during a game of "Are you smarter than a third grader?". He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. the court. Mr. Chinnicis experience is a product of a notoriously toxic law enforcement culture in Bennington, and another shocking example of what happens when we leave it to the police to police themselves. VSP News Releases Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000 The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Chance of snow 90%.. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. BENNINGTON, Vt. . Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Sergeant Seth Loomis, INCIDENT LOCATION: U.S. Route 7; MM: 15.6, Bennington, VT. On the evening of 2-22-23, Troopers from the Shaftsbury barracks came upon a vehicle that slid off of the travel portion of U.S. Route 7 near mile marker 15.6 in the town of Bennington, VT. Home Page | Vermont State Police The reports also state that witnesses, including the operator of the second vehicle, a Ford 250 pickup, Michael Hager, of Hoosick Falls, described Heck as appearing intoxicated. Chance of snow 40%. or the public information officer. ACLU sues Bennington Police over alleged rights violations SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: ON the above date and time, Vermont State Police were advised of a be on the lookout for a Dorr Oil truck which was being operated all over the roadway on US Route 7 in the Town of Shaftsbury. News releases include information about arrests and citations, reports about homicides and other major criminal investigations, traffic incidents such as crashes and enforcement, and any incident that could have public impact or be of public interest. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. Like us on Facebook. This acknowledgement promotes a greater level of understanding by all, that certain embedded feelings must not be taken lightly or dismissed and will be taken into consideration when developing and receiving recommendations for changes in Bennington Police Department policies and procedures. Complaints against members of the Bennington Police Department must receive thorough, timely, transparent, and objective investigation to determine the validity of the complaint, root cause of failure and work towards improvement. . Subscribe today. Press Releases. UPDATE: Bennington man, ACLU sue police over arrest He was ordered to not have any contact or harass Scanlon, not to come within 10 feet of the courthouse or stalk Scanlon in any manner. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. You have permission to edit this article. If the Bennington County State's Attorney's Office and the Vermont Judiciary are disconnected from the Bennington Police Department, and/or the laws they are enforcing, the public loses faith in the police. Yesterday morning, hours before Mr. Chinnici filed his lawsuit, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on proposed, legislation to curtail the use of misleading tactics. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. As a result, there needs to be continued alignment between the Bennington Police Department and the Bennington County State's Attorney's Office to ensure agreement on the enforcement and prosecution of criminal offenses. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. Lawsuit Challenges Rights Violations by Bennington Police Officials, ACLU of Vermont Staff Attorney Hillary Rich, : No one should be subjected to the dishonest and coercive tactics that John Chinnici experienced at the hands of Bennington police. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . However, as communities, elected officials, appointed officials and the Bennington Police Department are developing new and innovative approaches to public safety, the focus should expand beyond just policies and procedures to include both the broader criminal justice and public health ecosystems: Maximize available, thoughtful resources, similar to the process for recommendations from the Commission of Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. BENNINGTON Police Chief Paul Doucette said Wednesday that he will stand by the actions of his officers following the Jan. 8 rollover crash of a pickup being driven by Hans Heck, who left the scene and was found three days later in a wooded area, having died of hypothermia. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. Media Releases and News. Healing of the community means healing of all. 2 Bennington residents arrested after search turns up firearms, drugs The same year the IACP issued its findings and reform recommendations, the ACLU settled a racial profiling lawsuit against BPD, while another caseinvolving city officials retaliation against an interracial family who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. Alleged white supremacist arrested for violating conditions of release An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . Updated: Feb 16, 2023 / 10:48 PM EST BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department is investigating a suspicious device that was located at 351 Overlea Road at around 9:15. Anthony Union High School. Bennington - AP NEWS An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. Occasional snow showers. We hope that state legislators recognize that far more needs to be done to establish meaningful police oversight and accountability protections so that all community members are safe from abuses like these, and their rights are respected.. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. BENNINGTON Police Chief Paul Doucette said Wednesday that he will "stand by the actions" of his officers following the Jan. 8 rollover crash of a pickup being driven by Hans Heck, who left the scene and was found three days later in a wooded area, having died of hypothermia. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. 317 were here. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Speaking after release of the reports, Doucette said he is sorry for the familys loss, but he also believes people have to look at the totality of circumstances surrounding this incident, which he said emerged in the incident reports, especially after a medical examiners report was released late last week confirmed the alcohol level. . Bennington, Vt., Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. BENNINGTON - The annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway, one of the area's most popular events for children, is scheduled for Aug. 18 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Bennington Auto Mall on Performance Drive. Officers reported that Hager told them Hecks vehicle then tried to pull back in front of him too soon and crashed into the front driver side fender of his truck, before the Nissan went out of control and rolled over three times. One driver traveling in the same direction on Jan. 8 told police the Heck vehicle earlier passed several vehicles in the breakdown lane at speeds the witness estimated at up to 100 mph, before then slowing to almost a complete stop and almost causing a crash.
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