bennington, vt police press release bennington, vt police press release

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. or the public information officer. 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. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. 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. 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. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. 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. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. 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.. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. Press Releases. 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. 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. The incident was first reported on. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. Copyright 2022 WCAX. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) Vermont State Police are reporting the arrest of Max Misch, 38, of Bennington for violating the conditions of his release. Subscribe today. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. 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. in police interrogations. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. 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. 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. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. He had the gun. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Copy and paste this code into your website. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. 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.. Winds light and variable. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. Heck left the scene that evening as temperatures were dropping toward a low of 15 degrees wearing a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, according to the reports, and his body reportedly was found in a gully in thick woods with only one shoe. . January 18, 2023. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. 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. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. 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. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. Riendeau was released to a sober party. 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. 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. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. Like us on Facebook. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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 Department executed their . 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. the court. BENNINGTON Bennington Police have released the name of the individual who fell to their death off the Chapel Road-Route 279 overpass on Feb. 20. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Don't miss the big stories. 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. Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. 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. Contact Tiffany Tan . Like us on Facebook. . If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. 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. He had the gun. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. 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. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. 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. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. 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. Feb 24. 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. the court. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. Bennington Police have been. 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. 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. 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 - 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. Low 29F. Vermont News. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. 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. 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 cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. Like us on Facebook. You have permission to edit this article. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. 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 . Occasional snow showers. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. 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. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. 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?". 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. 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 are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Chance of snow 40%. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. . 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 reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . 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. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. 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.. 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. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. Before his arraignment, Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady, in a court-ordered motion, transferred the case to Windham County, as Scanlon and James Colvin are witnesses referenced in the affidavit and are retired judges that have presided in Bennington County. You . Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. 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. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. 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. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . 317 were here. At one point, Wright filmed a sheriffs deputy as he washed his car at a public car wash, asking the deputy how he paid for the wash. 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. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. 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.. 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. 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. Occasional snow showers. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. 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. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies. 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. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. Chance of snow 70%.. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. 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. Sgt. I stand by the actions of the officers.. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . BENNINGTON, Vt. . Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. or the public information officer. Media Releases and News. They say the car hit Monday is. 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. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. . The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. Subscribe today. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Winds light and variable. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. : Mr. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Bennington Police Department leadership should, whenever appropriate, educate the Bennington community on policies and procedures, practices, and incidents to further understanding of policing dynamics, advance transparency, and to enhance Bennington community-police engagement. May 13, 2022 GMT. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. . An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. He was taken into custody soon after. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. 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.