The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. 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 in police interrogations. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. . Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. While still trying to get Mr. Chinnici named as an accomplice, Bennington police arrested Mr. Chinnici without probable cause, and went on to make multiple misrepresentations in their interviews with Mr. Chinnici and in their application for a warrant to search his phone. 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. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. Snow showers. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. He had the gun. 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. . . As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. After. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. Chance of snow 90%.. 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. 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. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. or the public information officer. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. You have permission to edit this article. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [email protected], 802-223-6304 x111 MONTPELIER, Vt. - The ACLU filed a lawsuit yesterday on behalf of John Chinnici, who was unlawfully arrested, interrogated, and searched by Bennington police after they repeatedly pressured multiple witnesses and suspects to name Mr. Chinnici as an accomplice in a January 2016 armed . A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Anthony Union High School. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. 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. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. Man of Kent owner Jon Bombard told Bennington police after the crash that he was a friend of Hecks, and asked that he be reported missing. 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. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. . 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. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. They say the car hit Monday is. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . The body was found Monday, Jan. 11, after family members and friends, along with police from Bennington and surrounding communities had begun a large-scale search. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. 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. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. 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. 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. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. Like us on Facebook. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. Healing of the community means healing of all. the court. 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. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. 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. It also has not identified the female victim. 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. Vermont News. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. 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. 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. The Commission specifically looked at how to make systematic improvements and enhance coordination between police, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and correctional authorities to increase the ability to prevent and control crime, prevent unnecessary incarceration, serve the victims of crime, and improve community-police engagement. 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. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. by: Courtney Ward. 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., An independent report by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) concluded in 2020 that BPD exhibited a , . We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. 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. Low 29F. Winds light and variable. Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. 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. Riendeau was released to a sober party. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. You . 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. The bill as introduced would be limited to interrogations of juveniles, though the ACLU is urging that its scope be broadened to prevent more abuses like those experienced by Mr. Chinnici from occurring. Syringe Services Program information card. 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. 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. 317 were here. 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.. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Because it was growing dark on Sunday, and police said they could not find a way to safely cross the fence, the search was discontinued at that point. 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 Department executed their . Winds light and variable. Investigations are ongoing. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . Chance of snow 40%. 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. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Subscribe today. 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. MONTPELIER, Vt. The ACLU filed a lawsuit yesterday on behalf of John Chinnici, who was unlawfully arrested, interrogated, and searched by Bennington police after they repeatedly pressured multiple witnesses and suspects to name Mr. Chinnici as an accomplice in a January 2016 armed robbery, despite the fact that Mr. Chinnici did not match witness descriptions and no other evidence connected him to the crime. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Don't miss the big stories. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. 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. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. 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. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. 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. 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. 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 primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. 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. The story will be updated as more information is made available. the court. 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. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. 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. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police-Shaftsbury Barracks was made aware of a possible assault that occurred in the Town of Arlington, VT. Further investigation revealed that Williams had assaulted West causing an injury to his face. 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. 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. 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. Occasional snow showers. in police interrogations. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. Chance of snow 40%. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. 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. Chance of snow 70%.. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. He had the gun. 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 leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. 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. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . 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?". 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. Bennington Police have been. 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. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. 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. 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. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the Vermont House of Representatives and served as speaker, has become well-known around town for videotaping people and officials, and calling himself a reporter. I stand by the actions of the officers.. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. Press Releases. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. 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. BENNINGTON Bennington Police have released the name of the individual who fell to their death off the Chapel Road-Route 279 overpass on Feb. 20. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case 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. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. The same year the IACP issued its findings and reform recommendations, the ACLU, against BPD, while another caseinvolving, city officials retaliation against an interracial family. 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. 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. 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. Copy and paste this code into your website. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. Occasional snow showers. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. BENNINGTON, Vt. The Bennington, Vt., Police Department said a suspected bomb or as police called it, "an energetic destructive device" was found Thursday inside a home at 351 Overlea Road. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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. 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 Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. 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. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. The incident reports by several officers released Tuesday morning describe what police found around 6:29 p.m. Jan. 8 at the crash scene and what witnesses told them about what led to the crash. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. 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.. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. You have permission to edit this article. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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..