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. 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. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. 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. Like us on Facebook. The body was found Monday, Jan. 11, after family members and friends, along with police from Bennington and surrounding communities had begun a large-scale search. VSP News Releases 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. 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. He added that safety concerns for the officers played a role in a police decision to suspend a ground search with a K-9 unit the night of the crash, while police in cruisers afterward continued to patrol that night around nearby roads. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. . The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. or the public information officer. Winds light and variable. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. Occasional snow showers. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing | Local News 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. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . 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.. 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. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. You have permission to edit this article. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. 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. They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. 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. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. They say the car hit Monday is. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. 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. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. 317 were here. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. You have permission to edit this article. 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, Vt. (WCAX) - A drug bust in Bennington on Monday ended with police arresting eight people, including one who jumped out a second-story window. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. 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. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. Public Information | Vermont State Police Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Bennington, Vt., Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. Don't miss the big stories. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. 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. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath | Local News Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Chance of snow 40%. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. . . 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. A copy of the complaint is available here. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Chance of snow 70%.. the court. 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. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. 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. 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. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. Chance of snow 70%.. the court. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. Although the employees described the second robber as a Hispanic male with an accent weighing 170-190 poundscharacteristics that in no way resembled Mr. Chinniciofficers disregarded more likely suspects and immediately targeted Mr. Chinnici. 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. 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. 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. After. Low 29F. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). Sgt. Wright also shot a video of a vehicle belonging to former Judge Justine Scanlon, the same person still working inside the building, mentioning her by name. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. BENNINGTON, Vt. . A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. 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. Press Releases. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. Bennington Police investigate reports of shots fired 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. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ DUI #1, Negligent Operation 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.. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Police investigate shooting in Bennington - wcax.com Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New York City Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Vermont State Police, and the Bennington Police Department. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . 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. Healing of the community means healing of all. Bennington Police Department | Bennington VT - Facebook Police release identities of Bennington homicide victim, suspect January 18, 2023. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. 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. 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. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. Sgt. Media Releases and News. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. 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. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. 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. 'Energetic destructive device' found at house in Bennington, Vt 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. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks / DUI #2 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. Bennington Police investigate possible 'incendiary' device Don't miss the big stories. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. . 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Press Releases; Top Stories. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. Show Transcript. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . 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. 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.