According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . 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. 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. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Share this page on your favorite Social network. You have permission to edit this article. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse | Local News There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. 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. 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. . 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. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. Copy and paste this code into your website. Vermont schools, N.H. Walmarts receive apparent hoax threats 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.. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . Occasional snow showers. 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.. Lawsuit Challenges Rights Violations by Bennington Police Officials The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. 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. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. They say the car hit Monday is. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. Chance of snow 40%. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. 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. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 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. Don't miss the big stories. Police investigate shooting in Bennington - wcax.com Bennington, Vt., Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass 'Energetic destructive device' found at house in Bennington, Vt Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. 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. 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. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks / DUI #2 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. Three Bennington residents arrested in two separate drug busts You have permission to edit this article. Press Releases. One-car crash in Bennington under investigation 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 Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. Show Transcript. I stand by the actions of the officers.. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. 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. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. The incident was first reported on. 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. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. 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. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. or the public information officer. Suspicious explosive device found in Bennington home Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. 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. 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.. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. At one point, Wright filmed a sheriffs deputy as he washed his car at a public car wash, asking the deputy how he paid for the wash. the court. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath | Local News Sgt. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. 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. BENNINGTON - The annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway, one of the area's most popular events for children, is scheduled for Aug. 18 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Bennington Auto Mall on Performance Drive. Bennington - AP NEWS 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. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. 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. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. Chance of snow 90%.. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault - NEWS10 ABC Vermont State Police (@VTStatePolice) / Twitter Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . 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. Copyright 2022 WCAX. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. Sgt. Police release identities of Bennington homicide victim, suspect A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. A phone number police obtained for the registered owner of the Nissan, the drivers sister, Karen Heck, was found to no longer be in service, police said. Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. 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. 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Town of Bennington, Vermont - Serving people through teamwork The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. 317 were here. Don't miss the big stories. 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. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. 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. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Like us on Facebook. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. UPDATE: Bennington man, ACLU sue police over arrest What To Do: Saturday, March 4 - wcax.com Chance of snow 70%.. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. 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. ign up to be in the camp is usually in April or May until filled. You have permission to edit this article. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! 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. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. 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. Follow 21K. He had the gun. January 18, 2023. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. 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. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. Subscribe today. . 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. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . 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. 8 arrested in Bennington drug bust - wcax.com 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 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. The same year the IACP issued its findings and reform recommendations, the ACLU settled a racial profiling lawsuit against BPD, while another caseinvolving city officials retaliation against an interracial family who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. 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. 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 said a male suspect has been arrested in a killing in downtown Bennington on Monday. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. Home Page | Vermont State Police The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. . Investigations are ongoing. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. 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. Chance of snow 40%. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said.