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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. 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. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. 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. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. 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. Roscoe Harrington stated in a report filed Feb. 8, It is this officers belief that the cause of this crash was gross negligent operation on the part of Heck. The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. 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 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. 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. 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. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. by: Courtney Ward. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. The drivers name was known because his wallet had been found at the scene, so he might be located later, Doucette said, and police were concerned that Heck might be intoxicated and carrying a gun after one was found in his pickup. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. 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. Updated: Oct 12, 2022 / 05:59 AM EDT BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Police are looking to identify two young men after an alleged theft in Bennington. Bennington 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. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. Bennington Police Department executed their . 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. Subscribe today. 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. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. 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. 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. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. or the public information officer. Chance of snow 40%. 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. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. You have permission to edit this article. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. 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. Winds light and variable. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. in police interrogations. 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. 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. 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. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. Press Releases. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. 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. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) Vermont State Police are reporting the arrest of Max Misch, 38, of Bennington for violating the conditions of his release. 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. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. It also has not identified the female victim. the court. . Bennington Police have been. 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.. COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Like us on Facebook. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. You have permission to edit this article. Don't miss the big stories. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . Riendeau was released to a sober party. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. Sgt. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Sergeant Seth Loomis, INCIDENT LOCATION: U.S. Route 7; MM: 15.6, Bennington, VT. On the evening of 2-22-23, Troopers from the Shaftsbury barracks came upon a vehicle that slid off of the travel portion of U.S. Route 7 near mile marker 15.6 in the town of Bennington, VT. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. 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. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. the court. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. Upon arrival Troopers located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with significant damage in the middle of the roadway. After Mr. Chinnici had been unlawfully seized, Doucette interrogated Mr. Chinnici, telling him, Im not going to lie to you. Doucette then told Mr. Chinniciuntruthfullythat a witness had identified him as the gunman by a unique facial tattoo, while Mr. Chinnici maintained his innocence. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. May 13, 2022 GMT. 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 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. 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. . Chance of snow 40%. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. 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. Copyright 2022 WCAX. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. 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.. 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. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). Don't miss the big stories. 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. 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. Low 29F. Occasional snow showers. Contact Tiffany Tan . Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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.. BENNINGTON A well-known local Bennington man was arrested late Thursday evening after he allegedly attempted to break into the Bennington Courthouse by punching in different codes in the keypad security system. Winds light and variable. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. 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. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. 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. He had the gun. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. 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. 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. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. . Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *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. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. . The incident was first reported on. Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. He had the gun. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. 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. 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 Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . 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. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper C. Shepley, INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 7 Shaftsbury/Sunderland VT, VIOLATION: DUI #1, Negligent Operation, Possession of Stolen Property. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. 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.. 317 were here. 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. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. 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. Anthony Union High School. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! 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 reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. 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. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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.