Like us on Facebook. May 13, 2022 GMT. Contact Tiffany Tan . Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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 . Media Releases and News. 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. . Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. . Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. Don't miss the big stories. or the public information officer. 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. . 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. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. Sgt. 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. 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. Copy and paste this code into your website. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. 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. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. 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. Winds light and variable. 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. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. 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. Copyright 2022 WCAX. 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.. Press Releases. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies. You have permission to edit this article. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. . COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. 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. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. 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 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. Low 29F. Follow 21K. 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. 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. 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. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. Chance of snow 40%. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . 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. 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. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. 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. Healing of the community means healing of all. 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. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. Chance of snow 70%.. 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. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. 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. 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. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. 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. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . 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. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. 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 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. It also has not identified the female victim. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. 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. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. Winds light and variable. 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. Chance of snow 70%.. 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. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. 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. . The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. Like us on Facebook. . 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 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. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. 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. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Syringe Services Program information card. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. 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. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . Feb 24. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. 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. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. 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.. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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 Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. Don't miss the big stories. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. 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.. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. 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. 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. 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. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. After. The story will be updated as more information is made available. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. 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. 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. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington.