in police interrogations. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. . The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . 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. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. 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. 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. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. You have permission to edit this article. Winds light and variable. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. 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 note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. Chance of snow 70%.. 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. 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. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. Bennington Police Department executed their . 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 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. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. Like us on Facebook. You . 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 . . Complaints against members of the Bennington Police Department must receive thorough, timely, transparent, and objective investigation to determine the validity of the complaint, root cause of failure and work towards improvement. 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. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. 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. 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. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. You have permission to edit this article. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 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. Occasional snow showers. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. Bennington Police have been. 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. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. Chance of snow 40%. Subscribe today. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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. Feb 24. After. 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. 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. 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. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. 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 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. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. All rights reserved. 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. 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. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. They say the car hit Monday is. 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. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. 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. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. 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. 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 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. 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. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. 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. 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. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. Sgt. Show Transcript. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. 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. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. Follow 21K. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Preliminary investigation revealed that Jelley's vehicle was travelling East on Burgess Road when the vehicle exited the south side of the roadway for unknown reasons. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . 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. 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. 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.. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. 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. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Chance of snow 90%.. Copy and paste this code into your website. Upon arrival Troopers located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with significant damage in the middle of the roadway. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . January 18, 2023. the court. 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.. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. the court. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. 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. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case 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. (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. 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. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. Chance of snow 70%.. The reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Share this page on your favorite Social network. 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.. 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. The story will be updated as more information is made available. This includes having more open conversations about coping with stress and trauma within the Bennington Police Department and informing the public, as well as elected and appointed officials, of the stress and demands on officers and staff. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. 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. . Low 29F. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. He was taken into custody soon after. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. May 13, 2022 GMT. 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. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. The incident was first reported on. While still trying to get Mr. Chinnici named as an accomplice, Bennington police arrested Mr. Chinnici without probable cause, and went on to make multiple misrepresentations in their interviews with Mr. Chinnici and in their application for a warrant to search his phone. 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. 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. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. 317 were here. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. In addition, BPD officers made multiple misrepresentations in their application for a warrant to search Mr. Chinnicis cell phone, including omitting key details from witness descriptions of the suspect that did not match Mr. Chinnici. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. 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 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. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. by: Courtney Ward. You have permission to edit this article. Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Copyright 2022 WCAX. 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. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. 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. Low 29F. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. 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. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. 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. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. 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.. 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 Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. 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. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. 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. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. 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. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. 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. They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. 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. 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.
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bennington, vt police press release