Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . 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. Chance of snow 40%. It also has not identified the female victim. . 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. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. 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. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. However, as communities, elected officials, appointed officials and the Bennington Police Department are developing new and innovative approaches to public safety, the focus should expand beyond just policies and procedures to include both the broader criminal justice and public health ecosystems: Maximize available, thoughtful resources, similar to the process for recommendations from the Commission of Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A drug bust in Bennington on Monday ended with police arresting eight people, including one who jumped out a second-story window. . 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 week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. Low 29F. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Chance of snow 70%.. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 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. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. 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.. in police interrogations. 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. 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. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. Feb 24. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Low 29F. 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.. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. 317 were here. Share this page on your favorite Social network. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. 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. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. 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. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. 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. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. He was taken into custody soon after. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . 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. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. May 13, 2022 GMT. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. the court. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Healing of the community means healing of all. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . 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. Low 29F. I stand by the actions of the officers.. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. . 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. 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 male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. Chance of snow 40%. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. 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. 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. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. by: Courtney Ward. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. 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. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. Occasional snow showers. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. 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. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . BENNINGTON, Vt. . Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. 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.. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. He had the gun. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. the court. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. 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. Occasional snow showers. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Sgt. 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. 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. Don't miss the big stories. 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. Sgt. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. After. 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. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. Vermont News. 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. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. 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 Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. Chance of snow 70%.. 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. 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.. A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. 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. 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. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. 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. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. 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 New York State Police Aviation Unit helicopter located an area of interest off Route 279 that led to discovery of the body that morning. . 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. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. 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. 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. 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. 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. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. . 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. 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. 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. Winds light and variable. You have permission to edit this article. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. Subscribe today. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. Media Releases and News. 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. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. 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. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. You have permission to edit this article. . And there could be questions about where Heck became intoxicated, Doucette said, noting that he was reported to have been at the Man of Kent Tavern on Route 7 in Hoosick, N.Y., earlier that day. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. 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. 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. 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. 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. A traffic stop was conducted and the operator of the vehicle, Geoffrey Sauer was taken into custody for DUI #1, Negligent Operation, and Possession of Stolen Property. 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. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . 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. 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 , . The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. They say the car hit Monday is. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. The incident reports by several officers released Tuesday morning describe what police found around 6:29 p.m. Jan. 8 at the crash scene and what witnesses told them about what led to the crash. 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. 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. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . 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. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jared Lacoste, DATE/TIME: 2/14/23 at approximately 1620 hours. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. Don't miss the big stories. Upon arrival Troopers located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with significant damage in the middle of the roadway. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. Man of Kent owner Jon Bombard told Bennington police after the crash that he was a friend of Hecks, and asked that he be reported missing. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) Vermont State Police are reporting the arrest of Max Misch, 38, of Bennington for violating the conditions of his release. the court. 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. 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, 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. 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. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. 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. The cloth was found near the wildlife fence and what appeared to be blood on the fence where it was believed Heck had scaled it. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . 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. . Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. A copy of the complaint is available here. Winds light and variable. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. 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.