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. 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.. If members of the Bennington community want changes to police department operations, the Police Chief should inform the public of potential costs and benefits of that change allowing the community to make informed and appropriate decisions. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. 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.. 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. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. 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. 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. 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. 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. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. Syringe Services Program information card. 8 arrested in Bennington drug bust - wcax.com Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. 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. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. Don't miss the big stories. UPDATE: Bennington man, ACLU sue police over arrest 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. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath | Local News 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. Like us on Facebook. VSP News Releases Police investigate after explosive device found at property in Bennington Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Winds light and variable. 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.. He had the gun. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ DUI #1, Negligent Operation A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. He had the gun. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. 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. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. Twelve Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Narcotics Trafficking of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. Occasional snow showers. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. Chance of snow 40%. He was taken into custody soon after. 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. 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. The vehicle then struck two medium/large trees which caused significant contact damage to the front of the truck and tore the passenger side of the vehicle from the rest of the truck cab. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. 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. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. Sgt. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Subscribe today. Bennington Police have been. Vermont News. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Public Information | Vermont State Police Share this page on your favorite Social network. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault - NEWS10 ABC 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. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. Suspicious explosive device found in Bennington home 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. January 18, 2023. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. 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. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks / Simple Assault There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing | Local News the court. 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. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ Serious Injury Crash According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. Contact Tiffany Tan . Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. 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 detectives say that Misch went to the . Low 29F. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. in police interrogations. 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. Feb 24. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Wright, the son of prominent Bennington legislator Ralph Wright, who served in the . 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. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. . He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. Multiple people arrested in Bennington drug bust - NEWS10 ABC 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. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Bennington homicide victim linked to assault, kidnapping in Springfield If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. 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. Slashing death in broad daylight in Bennington leads to - VTDigger Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) Vermont State Police are reporting the arrest of Max Misch, 38, of Bennington for violating the conditions of his release. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. Low 29F. According to reports from the officers involved, witnesses said Heck, 35, was involved in an apparent road rage incident and attempting to pass a pickup truck near the Austin Hill Road underpass when his Nissan Frontier pickup truck swerved and struck the side of the other vehicle. 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?". These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. 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. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. Riendeau was released to a sober party. 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. A New York State Police Aviation Unit helicopter located an area of interest off Route 279 that led to discovery of the body that morning. Winds light and variable. And there could be questions about where Heck became intoxicated, Doucette said, noting that he was reported to have been at the Man of Kent Tavern on Route 7 in Hoosick, N.Y., earlier that day. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. You have permission to edit this article. 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. All rights reserved. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. 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. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. 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. 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. 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. 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.