Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. All rights reserved. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). Snow showers. 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. I stand by the actions of the officers.. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. ACLU Sues Bennington Police Over 2016 Investigation, Arrest Despite the employees contrary description, Mayhews refusal to name his accomplice, and no evidence connecting Mr. Chinnici with the robbery, Doucette arrested Mr. Chinnici without probable cause. BENNINGTON Police 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. the court. 317 were here. 'Energetic destructive device' found at house in Bennington, Vt He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. . Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. Media Releases and News. 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. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Wright also shot a video of a vehicle belonging to former Judge Justine Scanlon, the same person still working inside the building, mentioning her by name. 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. 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?". Don't miss the big stories. 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 police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. . Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Don't miss the big stories. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. 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. Subscribe today. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath | Local News 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. He had the gun. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. What To Do: Saturday, March 4 - wcax.com Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. 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. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. A copy of the complaint is available here. Vermont State Police (@VTStatePolice) / Twitter 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. 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. 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 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. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. 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. He added that safety concerns for the officers played a role in a police decision to suspend a ground search with a K-9 unit the night of the crash, while police in cruisers afterward continued to patrol that night around nearby roads. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Lawsuit Challenges Rights Violations by Bennington Police Officials Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. 2 Bennington residents arrested after search turns up firearms, drugs News - wcax.com 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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.. Like us on Facebook. 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. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Police release identities of Bennington homicide victim, suspect Public Information | Vermont State Police 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. January 18, 2023. . Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . 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 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. the court. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse | Local News Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. The reports also state that witnesses, including the operator of the second vehicle, a Ford 250 pickup, Michael Hager, of Hoosick Falls, described Heck as appearing intoxicated. The vehicle then struck two medium/large trees which caused significant contact damage to the front of the truck and tore the passenger side of the vehicle from the rest of the truck cab. BENNINGTON, 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. Town of Bennington, Vermont - Serving people through teamwork Bennington Police Department press release Jan. 11, 2021 ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. Press Releases. 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. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. 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. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. The story will be updated as more information is made available. The body was found Monday, Jan. 11, after family members and friends, along with police from Bennington and surrounding communities had begun a large-scale search. Alleged white supremacist arrested for violating conditions of release Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. The drivers name was known because his wallet had been found at the scene, so he might be located later, Doucette said, and police were concerned that Heck might be intoxicated and carrying a gun after one was found in his pickup. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. by: Courtney Ward. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Press Releases; Top Stories. BENNINGTON A well-known local Bennington man was arrested late Thursday evening after he allegedly attempted to break into the Bennington Courthouse by punching in different codes in the keypad security system. You have permission to edit this article. Although the employees described the second robber as a Hispanic male with an accent weighing 170-190 poundscharacteristics that in no way resembled Mr. Chinniciofficers disregarded more likely suspects and immediately targeted Mr. Chinnici. 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. Investigations are ongoing. . BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . 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. 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. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. BENNINGTON, Vt. . . You have permission to edit this article. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. 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. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. 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. Vermont schools, N.H. Walmarts receive apparent hoax threats Contact Tiffany Tan . Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. COURT: Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division, LODGED - LOCATION: Detox at Southern State Correctional, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. Share this page on your favorite Social network. 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. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. 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 same year the IACP issued its findings and reform recommendations, the ACLU, against BPD, while another caseinvolving, city officials retaliation against an interracial family. Low 29F. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. 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. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. 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. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. 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. Occasional snow showers. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. 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. 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, 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. They say the car hit Monday is. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. Copy and paste this code into your website. 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. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . ACLU sues Bennington Police over alleged rights violations 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. 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. 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. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Low 29F. After. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . The incident was first reported on. Winds light and variable. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Occasional snow showers. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. Like us on Facebook. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ Serious Injury Crash Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. You . Bennington Police investigate reports of shots fired Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Bennington Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass incident He had the gun. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. 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 prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. . Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. . 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. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. 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. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. 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. According to reports from the officers involved, witnesses said Heck, 35, was involved in an apparent road rage incident and attempting to pass a pickup truck near the Austin Hill Road underpass when his Nissan Frontier pickup truck swerved and struck the side of the other vehicle. He was taken into custody soon after. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Low 29F. Anthony Union High School. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. Twelve Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Narcotics Trafficking The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Police investigate after explosive device found at property in Bennington Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. 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.