Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. . Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. 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.. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. . Feb 24. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. 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 Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. 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 . Show Transcript. Share this page on your favorite Social network. 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. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. Occasional snow showers. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. 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. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. 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.. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. 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. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . Bennington Police have been. 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. 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. 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. Syringe Services Program information card. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. 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 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. 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. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. Anthony Union High School. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. Subscribe today. He was taken into custody soon after. 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. Press Releases; Top Stories. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Sgt. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Chance of snow 90%.. 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. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . 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. 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. 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 incident was first reported on. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. Don't miss the big stories. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. 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. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. 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. 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. . Chance of snow 40%. . Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. 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. 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. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. All rights reserved. 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. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. Sgt. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. 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. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. 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. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. 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. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. . 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. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. 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. 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. A copy of the complaint is available here. 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. January 18, 2023. 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. by: Courtney Ward. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. After. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. 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. Copyright 2022 WCAX. Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. 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. Like us on Facebook. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. You have permission to edit this article. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. I stand by the actions of the officers.. 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. They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. 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. Follow 21K. 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. 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. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. Chance of snow 70%.. . 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. 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. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. You . The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Chance of snow 70%.. 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. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. Low 29F. Investigations are ongoing. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Subscribe today. 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. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. He had the gun. It also has not identified the female victim. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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 requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. or the public information officer. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. 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. 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. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . . 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. Chance of snow 40%. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. 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 victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . 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. While attempting several times to acquire copies of police reports concerning the crash, family members and friends of Heck have alleged that the BPD was negligent for not trying harder to find him afterward. 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. The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. 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. 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. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. 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. Upon arrival Troopers located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with significant damage in the middle of the roadway. Media Releases and News. 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. 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. Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. Winds light and variable. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. 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 County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Low 29F. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. 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. . 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