Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. . The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. He was ordered to not have any contact or harass Scanlon, not to come within 10 feet of the courthouse or stalk Scanlon in any manner. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. 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. 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.. 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.. . These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Low 29F. He had the gun. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). Occasional snow showers. January 18, 2023. 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. Vermont News. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. 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 Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. or the public information officer. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. Heck also had a conceal carry firearms permit from the state of Florida, where the Nissan was registered, and was seen taking something from his vehicle before running from the crash scene before police arrived. BENNINGTON - Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette tests his skills against the third grade class at Monument Elementary School on Friday morning during a game of "Are you smarter than a third grader?". South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . 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. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. BENNINGTON, Vt. The Bennington, Vt., Police Department said a suspected bomb or as police called it, "an energetic destructive device" was found Thursday inside a home at 351 Overlea Road. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. 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. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. 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. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. 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. 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. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. 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. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. The story will be updated as more information is made available. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. 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. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. 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. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. Share this page on your favorite Social network. SUMMARY OF CRASH: On the above date and time, Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one car motor vehicle crash with ejection on Burgess Road in the Town of Woodford. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. May 13, 2022 GMT. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . 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. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. He had the gun. 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. 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. : Mr. 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. Syringe Services Program information card. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. 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.. Occasional snow showers. Low 29F. 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. 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. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. . 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. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. 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. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. 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. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. 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. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . 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.. 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. This acknowledgement promotes a greater level of understanding by all, that certain embedded feelings must not be taken lightly or dismissed and will be taken into consideration when developing and receiving recommendations for changes in Bennington Police Department policies and procedures. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . Like us on Facebook. 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. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. Investigations are ongoing. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! 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. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. 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. 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. Contact Tiffany Tan . 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. Subscribe today. Subscribe today. 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. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. You . These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. Chance of snow 70%.. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. The witness told police the truck identified as Hagers then passed the Heck vehicle and the Nissan sped up alongside and swerved into Hagers truck before crashing and rolling over into guardrails. 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. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. 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. 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. 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. Winds light and variable. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. 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. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. Sgt. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. Follow 21K. Feb 24. 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. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes after Mr. Chinni had already been arrested. You have permission to edit this article. COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Riendeau was released to a sober party. Subscribe today. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department is investigating a suspicious device that was located at 351 Overlea Road at around 9:15 a.m. on Thursday. Chance of snow 40%. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. 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. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. 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 reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies. Bennington Police have been. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. A copy of the complaint is available here. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . Low 29F. 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. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. 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. Copyright 2022 WCAX. You have permission to edit this article. 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. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case Winds light and variable. Winds light and variable. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. in police interrogations. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. After. . 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 . Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. 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. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. 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. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. 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. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. Don't miss the big stories. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 .