8 arrested in Bennington drug bust - wcax.com Media Releases and News. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . 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. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. 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. 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 said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. Officers reported that Hager told them Hecks vehicle then tried to pull back in front of him too soon and crashed into the front driver side fender of his truck, before the Nissan went out of control and rolled over three times. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. Chance of snow 40%. 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. 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. ACLU Sues Bennington Police Over 2016 Investigation, Arrest 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. 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. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. Suspicious explosive device found in Bennington home Upon arrival Troopers located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with significant damage in the middle of the roadway. 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. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. 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 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. 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. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . 2 Bennington residents arrested after search turns up firearms, drugs 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. 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. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks / Simple Assault According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . Bennington Police Department | Bennington VT - Facebook The incident was first reported on. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. Chance of snow 70%.. 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.. 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. or the public information officer. Don't miss the big stories. 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. Shaftsbury man sues Vermont State Police for $25 million - VTDigger Chance of snow 90%.. Winds light and variable. 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. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks / DUI #2 He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. 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.. Wright also shot a video of a vehicle belonging to former Judge Justine Scanlon, the same person still working inside the building, mentioning her by name. VSP News Releases On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police-Shaftsbury Barracks was made aware of a possible assault that occurred in the Town of Arlington, VT. Further investigation revealed that Williams had assaulted West causing an injury to his face. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . Bennington Police Department executed their . Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. Twelve Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Narcotics Trafficking Contact Tiffany Tan . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. He had the gun. Home Page | Vermont State Police . 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Chance of snow 70%.. Bennington Police investigate possible 'incendiary' device The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. Follow 21K. 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. Bennington homicide victim linked to assault, kidnapping in Springfield Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. 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. Subscribe today. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. 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. 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. Sgt. : Mr. 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 then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. 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. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. Winds light and variable. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. Like us on Facebook. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. BENNINGTON, Vt. . 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 Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Subscribe today. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. 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. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. . Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. 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. 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. Vermont State Police (@VTStatePolice) / Twitter Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 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?". 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. January 18, 2023. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. 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. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. Riendeau was released to a sober party. 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. . Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash - news10.com Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. 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. It also has not identified the female victim. Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. 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. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. Vermont News. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. . 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. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. 'Energetic destructive device' found at house in Bennington, Vt Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. 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. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. 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. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. 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. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. the court. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. Investigations are ongoing. or the public information officer. by: Courtney Ward. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ Serious Injury Crash 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. Slashing death in broad daylight in Bennington leads to - VTDigger 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. I stand by the actions of the officers.. Subscribe today. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. News - wcax.com BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Press Releases. 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. After. Bennington - AP NEWS Despite the employees contrary description, Mayhews refusal to name his accomplice, and no evidence connecting Mr. Chinnici with the robbery, Doucette arrested Mr. Chinnici without probable cause. in police interrogations. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. 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.. 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. 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. Bennington Police have been. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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. 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. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. Winds light and variable. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. 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. Sgt. The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. Snow showers. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Don't miss the big stories. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. 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. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. Bennington, Vt., Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver.