After Mr. Chinnici had been unlawfully seized, Doucette interrogated Mr. Chinnici, telling him, Im not going to lie to you. Doucette then told Mr. Chinniciuntruthfullythat a witness had identified him as the gunman by a unique facial tattoo, while Mr. Chinnici maintained his innocence. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. or the public information officer. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . Like us on Facebook. 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. The witness told police the truck identified as Hagers then passed the Heck vehicle and the Nissan sped up alongside and swerved into Hagers truck before crashing and rolling over into guardrails. Bennington Police Department leadership and officers must continue to hold each other accountable for wrongful actions, and always remember that officers have a duty to intervene to prevent or stop the use of excessive force by another officer when it is safe and reasonable to do so. Follow 21K. 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. 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. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. : Mr. 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. 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. A copy of the complaint is available here. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Chance of snow 40%. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ DUI #1, Negligent Operation, Possession of Stolen Property 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. He had the gun. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . Winds light and variable. They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. 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. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. Subscribe today. Copyright 2022 WCAX. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department is investigating a suspicious device that was located at 351 Overlea Road at around 9:15 a.m. on Thursday. Roscoe Harrington stated in a report filed Feb. 8, It is this officers belief that the cause of this crash was gross negligent operation on the part of Heck. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Bennington Police Department executed their . 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. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New York City Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Vermont State Police, and the Bennington Police Department. Bombard also told police that Heck was not a big drinker and he did not know Heck to be a person who would drink and drive.. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. Share this page on your favorite Social network. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. 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. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. 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. The decisions and practices of the Bennington County State's Attorney's Office, The Vermont Attorney General's Office and the Vermont Judiciary directly impact public safety, particularly the trust and confidence the community has in the Bennington Police Department. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette declined comment Tuesday, stating, "Further details are not being released at this time." A candlelight vigil had been set for Tuesday evening near the. Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. Like us on Facebook. The drivers name was known because his wallet had been found at the scene, so he might be located later, Doucette said, and police were concerned that Heck might be intoxicated and carrying a gun after one was found in his pickup. BENNINGTON, Vt. . Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. 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. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. 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. 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. . Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. . This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies. 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. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. Anthony Union High School. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. I stand by the actions of the officers.. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 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. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. in police interrogations. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. The cloth was found near the wildlife fence and what appeared to be blood on the fence where it was believed Heck had scaled it. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. or the public information officer. . Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. DEC: Anglers hoard panfish in catch and release area, Bennington restaurant closing after 16 years, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Crossgates Mall opening at noon due to weather, Chatham sinks game-winner to win section title, Duanesburg tops Hoosic Valley to win section title, Snow begins falling in Capital Region during latest, Projections show Social Security fund running dry, Judge rules against herbicide in Lake George, Retired racehorses rescue first responders, Gillibrand talks veteran aid in Glens Falls, NYSP: One dead in fatal industrial accident in Herkimer, 03/03/2023: Significant winter storm tonight, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Heck left the scene that evening as temperatures were dropping toward a low of 15 degrees wearing a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, according to the reports, and his body reportedly was found in a gully in thick woods with only one shoe. . Updated: Oct 12, 2022 / 05:59 AM EDT BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Police are looking to identify two young men after an alleged theft in Bennington. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. He had the gun. 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. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes after Mr. Chinni had already been arrested. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. Despite the employees contrary description, Mayhews refusal to name his accomplice, and no evidence connecting Mr. Chinnici with the robbery, Doucette arrested Mr. Chinnici without probable cause. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . BENNINGTON The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont is suing the Bennington Police Department on behalf of a Bennington resident who claims he was unlawfully arrested, interrogated, and searched after police repeatedly pressured witnesses to name him as an accomplice in a January 2016 armed robbery. The Vermont State Police is a full-service law enforcement agency that provides primary law enforcement services to approximately 200 towns, 90 percent of the land mass, and 50 percent of the population in Vermont. 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. When addressing problematic behavior by Bennington Police Officers, the Police Chief and Town Manager should have broad discretion in determining consequences and be able to act swiftly. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. . Wright also shot a video of a vehicle belonging to former Judge Justine Scanlon, the same person still working inside the building, mentioning her by name. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. All rights reserved. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. According to the police affidavit in the case, on March 1, Wright Jr. posted a video on social media of himself entering a code into an employee door of the Bennington Courthouse after the building was closed. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. Ultimately, the state legislature will have to decide how much longer it will tolerate these kinds of abuses before taking corrective actions to reimagine public safety and policing in Vermont., On the morning of January 11, 2016, two masked men robbed employees of Martins Mini Mart, the latest of a string of unsolved robberies in Bennington. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. 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. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jared Lacoste, DATE/TIME: 2/14/23 at approximately 1620 hours. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. He was taken into custody soon after. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. 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. 317 were here. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) A Bennington man is suing the town, its police chief and two officers, accusing them of violating his constitutional rights by arresting him in the 2016 armed robbery. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. the court. He added that safety concerns for the officers played a role in a police decision to suspend a ground search with a K-9 unit the night of the crash, while police in cruisers afterward continued to patrol that night around nearby roads. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. Syringe Services Program information card. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. 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. 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. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police incident reports concerning the crash and efforts to locate Heck before his body was found Jan. 11 in a thickly wooded site off Route 279, where the crash occurred. 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. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. Many police agencies throughout the United States have implemented community-focused police approaches and have policies, procedures and practices in place that emphasize the duty of care as well as strict policies and procedures around police tactics to ensure the well-being and safety of the community and officers. . . Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Doucette said several decisions by Heck are what led to the crash and finally to his death by exposure, adding that police attempted to find him after he left the crash scene but he eluded officers. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. The story will be updated as more information is made available. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. 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. May 13, 2022 GMT. Feb 24. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . Chance of snow 70%.. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Press Releases Crime and Justice Shaftsbury man sues Vermont State Police for $25 million, alleging troopers assaulted him By Ethan Weinstein Jan 18 2022 Vermont State Police Trooper. You have permission to edit this article. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. Press Releases; Top Stories.