Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Low 29F. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. 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. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. 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. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. . Follow 21K. 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.. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. 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. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. 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. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing | Local News This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. BENNINGTON, Vt. . A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Low 29F. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. Subscribe today. 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. Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. Chance of snow 40%. 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. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Chance of snow 40%. 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. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash - news10.com Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. 8 arrested in Bennington drug bust - wcax.com ACLU sues Bennington Police over alleged rights violations There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . 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 Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. 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. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. Public Information | Vermont State Police Multiple people arrested in Bennington drug bust - NEWS10 ABC These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. He was taken into custody soon after. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. 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. Bennington - AP NEWS A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. You . by: Courtney Ward. 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. 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. Contact Tiffany Tan . South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 2 Bennington residents arrested after search turns up firearms, drugs UPDATE: Bennington man, ACLU sue police over arrest Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Bennington Police looking for men who allegedly robbed store Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. The police reports also describe attempting to locate Heck at the address on his Vermont drivers license but learning he did not live there, then checking two other addresses in Bennington where he was said to possibly be living. 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. 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. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. 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. 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 body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. 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. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . 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. 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.. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. 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. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. . According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. Occasional snow showers. One-car crash in Bennington under investigation Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. 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. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. 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 then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . Don't miss the big stories. 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 , . Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. 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. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. Winds light and variable. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ DUI #1, Negligent Operation 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, 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. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. 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. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Like us on Facebook. 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. 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. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. 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. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. 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 . . BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . 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. 317 were here. Investigations are ongoing. Slashing death in broad daylight in Bennington leads to - VTDigger 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. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. Chance of snow 70%.. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Syringe Services Program information card. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. . 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. 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. VSP News Releases The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. All rights reserved. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. 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. What To Do: Saturday, March 4 - wcax.com 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. BENNINGTON The victim in a Bennington homicide on Wednesday morning has been linked by police to a Springfield kidnapping case in late July involving a family residence with small children. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. News - wcax.com Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. 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. Sgt. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. 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. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. 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.