Low 29F. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . 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. Like us on Facebook. 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. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. 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. Chance of snow 90%.. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . . Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. 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. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. Occasional snow showers. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. Bennington Police Department executed their . Snow showers. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Press Releases. Investigations are ongoing. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. 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. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. 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. Chance of snow 40%. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. 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. 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. COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. Media Releases and News. in police interrogations. 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. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. 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 incident was first reported on. 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. 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. 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. 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. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. A copy of the complaint is available here. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe today. They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. 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. 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. 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. 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. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Chance of snow 40%. The reports also state that witnesses, including the operator of the second vehicle, a Ford 250 pickup, Michael Hager, of Hoosick Falls, described Heck as appearing intoxicated. The 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. 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 . Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . Share this page on your favorite Social network. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. 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. 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. 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. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . 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. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. 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. May 13, 2022 GMT. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. 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. 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 , . Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. He was taken into custody soon after. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. Copyright 2022 WCAX. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. He had the gun. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. 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. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. 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. A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Healing of the community means healing of all. 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. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. 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. 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. . The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, SP: Albany man arrested after driving while on drugs, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, War Room offers free meals to workers helping with, Albany Sheriff: Pair arrested for illegal gun possession. Winds light and variable. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. 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. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. 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. 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. Like us on Facebook. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. 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. 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. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. 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. Chance of snow 40%. 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.. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. . A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. 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. 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. Don't miss the big stories. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. . 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. by: Courtney Ward. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. Occasional snow showers. The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. 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. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. 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. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. 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. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. 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. 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. 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. 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. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Low 29F. 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 . Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. 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. 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. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. Winds light and variable. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. All rights reserved. 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. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. 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 primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. 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. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. 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 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. 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.

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