He had the gun. 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. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. The reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. 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. You . 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 investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. 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. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. Chance of snow 40%. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Subscribe today. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. 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. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. 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.. 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. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. the court. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. 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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. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. Winds light and variable. 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 Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. 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. Chance of snow 40%. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . 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. COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. 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. Show Transcript. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. After. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. Snow showers. Sgt. 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. . He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. Like us on Facebook. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police 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. Don't miss the big stories. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. Feb 24. 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. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. 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. 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. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. in police interrogations. 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. 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. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. 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. BENNINGTON Police Chief Paul Doucette said Wednesday that he will stand by the actions of his officers following the Jan. 8 rollover crash of a pickup being driven by Hans Heck, who left the scene and was found three days later in a wooded area, having died of hypothermia. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. 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. 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. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. Occasional snow showers. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. Riendeau was released to a sober party. 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. Sgt. 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. 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. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Contact Tiffany Tan . BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. 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. 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. . These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. 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. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. I stand by the actions of the officers.. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. 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. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. Don't miss the big stories. . 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. You have permission to edit this article. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. 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. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. 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. 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. 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. 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. Vermont News. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . Subscribe today. Share this page on your favorite Social network. It also has not identified the female victim. 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. 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 . 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 device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. 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. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. Low 29F. 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. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. . The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . Bennington Police Department leadership and officers must continue to hold each other accountable for wrongful actions, and always remember that officers have a duty to intervene to prevent or stop the use of excessive force by another officer when it is safe and reasonable to do so. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. 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. This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies. Bennington Police have been. 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. 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. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. 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. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. 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. Upon arrival Troopers located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with significant damage in the middle of the roadway. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. 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. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. . Copy and paste this code into your website. Chance of snow 70%.. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. Referring to social media and other criticism of the departments actions from the time of the crash on a Friday night, Jan. 8, until Hecks body was found the following Monday, Jan. 11, Doucette said, I stand by the actions of the officers.. Chance of snow 40%. BENNINGTON, Vt. . 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. by: Courtney Ward. Low 29F. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Jared Lacoste, DATE/TIME: 2/14/23 at approximately 1620 hours. 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. 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.. : Mr. 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 , . Follow 21K. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. 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. 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. 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. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . 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.. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . 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 said the material later was matched to a tear in the leg of Hecks jeans when he was found and he had been bleeding. Low 29F. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery.