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. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath | Local News : Mr. 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. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. or the public information officer. . According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. Show Transcript. Chance of snow 90%.. 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 in police interrogations. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. 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. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. 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. 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.. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. 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/ Serious Injury Crash Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. Chance of snow 40%. You have permission to edit this article. Bennington Police Department press release Jan. 11, 2021 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. 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. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. Police investigate after explosive device found at property in Bennington . Investigations are ongoing. the court. 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. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. He was taken into custody soon after. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building, a misdemeanor. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . 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?". Follow 21K. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. 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. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. . Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. 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. 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. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse | Local News Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . BENNINGTON, Vt. . UPDATE: Bennington man, ACLU sue police over arrest Suspicious explosive device found in Bennington home BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. 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. Share this page on your favorite Social network. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . The incident reports by several officers released Tuesday morning describe what police found around 6:29 p.m. Jan. 8 at the crash scene and what witnesses told them about what led to the crash. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. Anthony Union High School. Copy and paste this code into your website. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. 317 were here. You have permission to edit this article. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. 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 Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Police investigate shooting in Bennington - wcax.com He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . in police interrogations. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. 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. or the public information officer. 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.. 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. 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. Contact Tiffany Tan . Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. 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. 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 . South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . They say the car hit Monday is. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Don't miss the big stories. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. 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, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. 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.. 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. Three Bennington residents arrested in two separate drug busts 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. Low 29F. 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. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ DUI #1, Negligent Operation These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Winds light and variable. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. It also has not identified the female victim. What To Do: Saturday, March 4 - wcax.com Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. 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 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. 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. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. 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. The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. Low 29F. Chance of snow 40%. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. In a follow-up interview on Feb. 1, Hager told police he was going from Hoosick Falls, N.Y., to Home Depot in Bennington prior to the crash. Syringe Services Program information card. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). 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 - 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. 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. 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. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash - news10.com 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. 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 disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. He had the gun. Shaftsbury man sues Vermont State Police for $25 million - VTDigger BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. 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. 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. 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. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. Slashing death in broad daylight in Bennington leads to - VTDigger Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing | Local News Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated.