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. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. Bennington Police looking for men who allegedly robbed store FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . . Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. 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. 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. 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. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . 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: 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. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. Upon arrival Troopers located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with significant damage in the middle of the roadway. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) Vermont State Police are reporting the arrest of Max Misch, 38, of Bennington for violating the conditions of his release. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. It also has not identified the female victim. 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 . According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks / Simple Assault 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . 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 same year the IACP issued its findings and reform recommendations, the ACLU, against BPD, while another caseinvolving, city officials retaliation against an interracial family. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. 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. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. 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. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. I stand by the actions of the officers.. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. One-car crash in Bennington under investigation Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. 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. 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. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Bennington Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass incident 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. 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. Lawsuit Challenges Rights Violations by Bennington Police Officials 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. 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. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. Bennington Police investigate reports of shots fired These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. 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. Occasional snow showers. Like us on Facebook. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. 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. A copy of the complaint is available here. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. 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. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, SP: Albany man arrested after driving while on drugs, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, War Room offers free meals to workers helping with, Albany Sheriff: Pair arrested for illegal gun possession. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Vermont schools, N.H. Walmarts receive apparent hoax threats 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. Home Page | Vermont State Police Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. 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. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. 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.. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse | Local News BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault - NEWS10 ABC Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. 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. 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. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. 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. Bennington, Vt., Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. Bennington homicide victim linked to assault, kidnapping in Springfield You have permission to edit this article. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. 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. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. . 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. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. 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. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. Show Transcript. 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. 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. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. 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. Slashing death in broad daylight in Bennington leads to - VTDigger If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. After. 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. The incident was first reported on. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. Media Releases and News. Healing of the community means healing of all. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Bennington - AP NEWS Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. You have permission to edit this article. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks / DUI #2 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police are . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 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. . BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath | Local News An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time.