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. Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. 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. The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. 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. Subscribe today. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. 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. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. 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. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. Media Releases and News. . 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. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. 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. After. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Like us on Facebook. 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. 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. 317 were here. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. . The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. Occasional snow showers. 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. 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. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. 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. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. Vermont News. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. You have permission to edit this article. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. 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. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. The incident was first reported on. Bennington Police have been. Low 29F. 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. 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. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. Follow 21K. 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. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. 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 incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. Sgt. Subscribe today. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. Don't miss the big stories. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. Share this page on your favorite Social network. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The decisions and practices of the Bennington County State's Attorney's Office, The Vermont Attorney General's Office and the Vermont Judiciary directly impact public safety, particularly the trust and confidence the community has in the Bennington Police Department. 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. 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. (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. by: Courtney Ward. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. 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. 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. 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. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. 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. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. 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. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. Sgt. Anthony Union High School. 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. 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. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. 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. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Occasional snow showers. 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. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. COURT: Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division, LODGED - LOCATION: Detox at Southern State Correctional, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. All rights reserved. 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. 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. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. Man of Kent owner Jon Bombard told Bennington police after the crash that he was a friend of Hecks, and asked that he be reported missing. He had the gun. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. Feb 24. Like us on Facebook. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. You have permission to edit this article. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. 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.. 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 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. 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. 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. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. Winds light and variable. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. Riendeau was released to a sober party. VSP News Releases Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000 The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. . He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. Subscribe today. 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. 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. 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.. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. Police said they were advised by several witnesses that a driver, later determined to be Heck, exited the vehicle, grabbed an item from the back seat area and placed it in the front pocket of his sweatshirt.. in police interrogations. Chance of snow 40%. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . If the Bennington County State's Attorney's Office and the Vermont Judiciary are disconnected from the Bennington Police Department, and/or the laws they are enforcing, the public loses faith in the police. Bennington Police Department executed their . 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. 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 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. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. 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. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. 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 Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. May 13, 2022 GMT. 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. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. 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 second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. 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. Like us on Facebook. Contact Tiffany Tan . Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. 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. 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 , . Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. the court. 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. 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. 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 said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case 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. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. 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. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. 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. 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.. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. 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. 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. 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. The reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. It also has not identified the female victim. 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. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. They say the car hit Monday is. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. 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.