. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. 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. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. The Bennington Police Department, the lead investigating agency, said it continues to investigate the Monday killing and is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Sgt. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Syringe Services Program information card. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. 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. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. 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. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. 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. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . 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. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. Show Transcript. 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. A copy of the complaint is available here. Subscribe today. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. 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. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. He was taken into custody soon after. 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. 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 , . Anthony Union High School. 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. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. Contact Tiffany Tan . 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.. The incident was first reported on. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . 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. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. Subscribe today. 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. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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.. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. . 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. 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. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. the court. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Like us on Facebook. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. Occasional snow showers. 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. Low 29F. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. 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. 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. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. . 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. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Doucette said he wanted to point out a misconception repeated on social media that the body was 200 yards from the scene of the crash, when Heck actually was found approximately that distance from Route 279 but much farther toward the New York line from the actual crash site near the Austin Hill Road underpass. 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. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. or the public information officer. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. 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. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. 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. He had the gun. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 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. 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. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. Follow 21K. 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. Winds light and variable. 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. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. Don't miss the big stories. 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. Email [email protected]. DEC: Anglers hoard panfish in catch and release area, Bennington restaurant closing after 16 years, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Crossgates Mall opening at noon due to weather, Chatham sinks game-winner to win section title, Duanesburg tops Hoosic Valley to win section title, Snow begins falling in Capital Region during latest, Projections show Social Security fund running dry, Judge rules against herbicide in Lake George, Retired racehorses rescue first responders, Gillibrand talks veteran aid in Glens Falls, NYSP: One dead in fatal industrial accident in Herkimer, 03/03/2023: Significant winter storm tonight, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. 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.. 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. 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. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. After. 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Investigations are ongoing. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. Share this page on your favorite Social network. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. An independent report by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) concluded in 2020 that BPD exhibited a warrior mentality and hadlost the trust of many residents. Don't miss the big stories. 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. 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. or the public information officer. Occasional snow showers. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. You have permission to edit this article. 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?". 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. 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. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. 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. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. 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. Healing of the community means healing of all. You . 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 a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. 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. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . 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. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. 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. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. 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. Press Releases. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. Copyright 2022 WCAX. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. 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. 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. 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. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Bennington Police Department executed their . 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. 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. Sgt. Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. 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. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. 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. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. 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. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. Like us on Facebook. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. . Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. He had the gun. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. 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. This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . Winds light and variable. It also has not identified the female victim. Chance of snow 40%. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. in police interrogations. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. 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. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Media Releases and News. 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. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. 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. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department.