Contact Tiffany Tan . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Don't miss the big stories. 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. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. SUMMARY OF CRASH: On the above date and time, Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one car motor vehicle crash with ejection on Burgess Road in the Town of Woodford. Chance of snow 40%. 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. Chance of snow 70%.. 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. Sgt. 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. 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. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. 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. Low 29F. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. 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. Anthony Union High School. 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. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. Follow 21K. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. 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: 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. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . 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. by: Courtney Ward. Three Bennington residents arrested in two separate drug busts Town of Bennington, Vermont - Serving people through teamwork He had the gun. Like us on Facebook. Chance of snow 40%. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. News - wcax.com All rights reserved. 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. And there could be questions about where Heck became intoxicated, Doucette said, noting that he was reported to have been at the Man of Kent Tavern on Route 7 in Hoosick, N.Y., earlier that day. 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. or the public information officer. Multiple people arrested in Bennington drug bust - NEWS10 ABC Investigations are ongoing. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. 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. Occasional snow showers. 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. 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. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. Sgt. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. Police investigate after explosive device found at property in Bennington Chance of snow 90%.. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. 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. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. . 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. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. the court. 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. Bennington Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass incident Chance of snow 40%. Chance of snow 70%.. Low 29F. Bennington - AP NEWS Syringe Services Program information card. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Subscribe today. Bennington Police looking for men who allegedly robbed store Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . 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 | Local News BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. Shaftsbury man sues Vermont State Police for $25 million - VTDigger Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing | Local News The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. Police release identities of Bennington homicide victim, suspect The breaking branches were heard near a fence installed to channel deer or other wildlife to an underpass below the highway, thereby reducing the number who are struck by vehicles. 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 incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. ACLU sues Bennington Police over alleged rights violations Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. 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. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. He was taken into custody soon after. 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.. 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 . 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. 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. 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. 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. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . Vermont News. 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. 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. 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.. The report was commissioned after revelations that Bennington officials, 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 Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Snow showers. 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. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. 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 , . Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. . COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. 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. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. 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.. Winds light and variable. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. Alleged white supremacist arrested for violating conditions of release BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. 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. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. Wright could be heard on the video saying the day and time, then he is seen getting out of his white pickup truck and walking to the side door. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. 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. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. Don't miss the big stories. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. The reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. 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. 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. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. 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.. 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. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. Don't miss the big stories. 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. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. Slashing death in broad daylight in Bennington leads to - VTDigger Bennington Police investigate reports of shots fired the court. January 18, 2023. Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. Police investigate shooting in Bennington - wcax.com Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. Bennington Police investigate possible 'incendiary' device 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. They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. . Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. 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.