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. DEC: Anglers hoard panfish in catch and release area, Bennington restaurant closing after 16 years, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Crossgates Mall opening at noon due to weather, Chatham sinks game-winner to win section title, Duanesburg tops Hoosic Valley to win section title, Snow begins falling in Capital Region during latest, Projections show Social Security fund running dry, Judge rules against herbicide in Lake George, Retired racehorses rescue first responders, Gillibrand talks veteran aid in Glens Falls, NYSP: One dead in fatal industrial accident in Herkimer, 03/03/2023: Significant winter storm tonight, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. 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. 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. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. Feb 24. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Like us on Facebook. 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. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. Sgt. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case Occasional snow showers. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 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. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. Snow showers. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . Investigations are ongoing. Like us on Facebook. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . . If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. 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. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. BENNINGTON, Vt. . Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. In a follow-up report on Feb. 2, Harrington said he had talked with Bombard by phone about Hecks demeanor while at the Man of Kent Jan. 8. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. 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. 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 Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. 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. 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.. 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. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. 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.. Low 29F. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. 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. 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. 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. Police said medical examiner and a toxicology reports later showed that Heck had no significant injuries as a result of the crash, and he had a blood-alcohol level of .151, well above the .08 legal limit, along with cocaine and marijuana in his system. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. 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. They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. 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. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. 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. January 18, 2023. The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. 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. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. the court. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. 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. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. the court. Riendeau was released to a sober party. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. Chance of snow 70%.. 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.. I stand by the actions of the officers.. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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 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. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. 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 , . 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. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . 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.. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. 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. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) Vermont State Police are reporting the arrest of Max Misch, 38, of Bennington for violating the conditions of his release. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. 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. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. 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. Occasional snow showers. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. Show Transcript. 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. Press Releases; Top Stories. Like us on Facebook. 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. 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. 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. . The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. Share this page on your favorite Social network. May 13, 2022 GMT. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . It also has not identified the female victim. 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 interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 317 were here. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. . The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. 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. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. Copyright 2022 WCAX. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Subscribe today. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. the court. 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?". You have permission to edit this article. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. 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. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. 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. 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. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. A copy of the complaint is available here. Low 29F. 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. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. 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. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. 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 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 deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. You have permission to edit this article. 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. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. Bennington Police have been. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. 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. Low 29F. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. In addition, BPD officers made multiple misrepresentations in their application for a warrant to search Mr. Chinnicis cell phone, including omitting key details from witness descriptions of the suspect that did not match Mr. Chinnici. He had the gun. 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.
