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. January 18, 2023. 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. 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. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. Show Transcript. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. 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. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. News releases include information about arrests and citations, reports about homicides and other major criminal investigations, traffic incidents such as crashes and enforcement, and any incident that could have public impact or be of public interest. Bennington Police investigate reports of shots fired Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. They say the car hit Monday is. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. 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. Occasional snow showers. 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. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. Like us on Facebook. . Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. We look forward to next year, Community Policing Advisory Review Board (CPARB), Back to School Backpack Event - coming Aug. 18th, 2022, Police Officers Receive Mental Health First Aid Training - April, 2022, Bennington Police Department Welcomes Three Recruits - January, 2022, Bennington Police Department Receives Environmental Leadership Award - October, 2021, Doucette Wins VTrans Highway Safety Award, Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward, Members of the Bennington Police Department are raising cancer awareness, Helping Vermonters Reduce their Risk of Opioid Overdose. 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. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. Chance of snow 90%.. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. Public Information | Vermont State Police BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. 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. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. 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. 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. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. 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. A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. 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. A copy of the complaint is available here. 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. I stand by the actions of the officers.. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. . Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. 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. 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. ACLU sues Bennington Police over alleged rights violations Contact Tiffany Tan . . 8 arrested in Bennington drug bust - wcax.com Multiple people arrested in Bennington drug bust - NEWS10 ABC 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. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. Bennington Police Department | Bennington VT - Facebook 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. Town of Bennington, Vermont - Serving people through teamwork This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. 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. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . VSP News Releases Winds light and variable. 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. Occasional snow showers. Police release identities of Bennington homicide victim, suspect Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ Serious Injury Crash Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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. or the public information officer. The driver then fled the scene on foot running south into the wooded area, police said they were told, and that the driver appeared to be intoxicated. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. He had the gun. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. 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.. 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. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: ON the above date and time, Vermont State Police were advised of a be on the lookout for a Dorr Oil truck which was being operated all over the roadway on US Route 7 in the Town of Shaftsbury. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . The reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. 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. Sgt. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. The incident was first reported on. 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. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault - NEWS10 ABC 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. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. Vermont State Police (@VTStatePolice) / Twitter Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. 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?". 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. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. You have permission to edit this article. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. 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. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. 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. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. 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. May 13, 2022 GMT. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. 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. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. Twelve Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Narcotics Trafficking 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. . They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. 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. VSP News Releases Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000 The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. If 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. Chance of snow 40%. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. Bennington Police investigate possible 'incendiary' device An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. 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. 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. Speaking after release of the reports, Doucette said he is sorry for the familys loss, but he also believes people have to look at the totality of circumstances surrounding this incident, which he said emerged in the incident reports, especially after a medical examiners report was released late last week confirmed the alcohol level. Bennington, Vt., Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass BENNINGTON - The annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway, one of the area's most popular events for children, is scheduled for Aug. 18 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Bennington Auto Mall on Performance Drive. 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. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. 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. Investigations are ongoing. Copy and paste this code into your website. Subscribe today. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . Riendeau was released to a sober party. Low 29F. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. You have permission to edit this article. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. News - wcax.com 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. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. 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. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. 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, Vt. . 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. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. Home Page | Vermont State Police The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. He had the gun. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. 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. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . Referring to social media and other criticism of the departments actions from the time of the crash on a Friday night, Jan. 8, until Hecks body was found the following Monday, Jan. 11, Doucette said, I stand by the actions of the officers.. Syringe Services Program information card. All rights reserved. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . by: Courtney Ward. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash - news10.com Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse | Local News 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. : Mr. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath | Local News 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. It also has not identified the female victim. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Winds light and variable. 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: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. . Low 29F. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. 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 male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. . 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. Follow 21K. Bennington Police have been. 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. 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.. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. 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. One-car crash in Bennington under investigation Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST.