bennington, vt police press release

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. Like us on Facebook. 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. 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. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . 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. Healing of the community means healing of all. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. You have permission to edit this article. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . 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 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. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. 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. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. 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. You . Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. 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. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. The reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. 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. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. Chance of snow 40%. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. 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. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. . 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. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. 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. Media Releases and News. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. May 13, 2022 GMT. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Subscribe today. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. 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. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I stand by the actions of the officers.. 317 were here. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. 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. Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. 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. 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. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. 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 The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont is suing the Bennington Police Department on behalf of a Bennington resident who claims he was unlawfully arrested, interrogated, and searched after police repeatedly pressured witnesses to name him as an accomplice in a January 2016 armed robbery. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. Syringe Services Program information card. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. Winds light and variable. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. 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. 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. Share this page on your favorite Social network. Winds light and variable. You have permission to edit this article. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. Copy and paste this code into your website. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. Feb 24. 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. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Sgt. He had the gun. 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. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. Don't miss the big stories. Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. 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. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. 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. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. 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, 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. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. 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. 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. . Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Don't miss the big stories. 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. 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. Chance of snow 40%. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. 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. 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. Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. 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?". . BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. Show Transcript. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. 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. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. In a follow-up report on Feb. 2, Harrington said he had talked with Bombard by phone about Hecks demeanor while at the Man of Kent Jan. 8. The 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. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. 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. 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. 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. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. 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. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. Don't miss the big stories. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. Sgt. Vermont News. 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. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. 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 suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. 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. Press Releases; Top Stories. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. 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. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . . 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. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case 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. Chance of snow 70%.. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. 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. by: Courtney Ward. 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. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. 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. BENNINGTON Police said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.