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. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ Serious Injury Crash The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the 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. 'Energetic destructive device' found at house in Bennington, Vt 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. 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. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. Twelve Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Narcotics Trafficking 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. . Don't miss the big stories. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. 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. 8 arrested in Bennington drug bust - wcax.com Bennington Police have been. Slashing death in broad daylight in Bennington leads to - VTDigger 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 court. After. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. 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. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. 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. . The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. Investigations are ongoing. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. Alleged white supremacist arrested for violating conditions of release BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Healing of the community means healing of all. 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. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. 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. This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 317 were here. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. 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. 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. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks / Simple Assault 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. Chance of snow 70%.. 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. 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. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. I stand by the actions of the officers.. 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. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ DUI #1, Negligent Operation, Possession of Stolen Property VSP News Releases Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000 The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. 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 Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. You . Subscribe today. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. News - wcax.com BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath | Local News Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. 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. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. by: Courtney Ward. the court. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. . Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. 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. Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. 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. 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. 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. 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. Public Information | Vermont State Police Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. Vermont News. Copyright 2022 WCAX. UPDATE: Bennington man, ACLU sue police over arrest 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.. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. 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. 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 Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. 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. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. 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. Chance of snow 90%.. 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. Contact Tiffany Tan . 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. 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. 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. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. 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. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. Three Bennington residents arrested in two separate drug busts Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Bennington Police Department | Bennington VT - Facebook 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Follow 21K. Riendeau was released to a sober party. Winds light and variable. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. Winds light and variable. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. 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. Feb 24. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. All rights reserved. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. 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. Police investigate after explosive device found at property in Bennington . It also has not identified the female victim. 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. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. 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. One-car crash in Bennington under investigation Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. 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 , . Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . in police interrogations. 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. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. 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. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. 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.. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. 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. 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 Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. Chance of snow 40%. The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. . Anthony Union High School. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. January 18, 2023. 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . Snow showers. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. He had the gun. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. Show Transcript. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. 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. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. 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.. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. 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.. 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. 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. 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. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ DUI #1, Negligent Operation