After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. Healing of the community means healing of all. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. 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. Vermont News. Copy and paste this code into your website. BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath. 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. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. Follow 21K. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. 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. 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. 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. 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. Winds light and variable. 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. Occasional snow showers. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. 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. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. 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. COURT: Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division, LODGED - LOCATION: Detox at Southern State Correctional, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Subscribe today. Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. 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. 317 were here. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. Updated: Feb 16, 2023 / 10:48 PM EST BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department is investigating a suspicious device that was located at 351 Overlea Road at around 9:15. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. 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. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . Chance of snow 70%.. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. Don't miss the big stories. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. 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. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. or the public information officer. 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. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. May 13, 2022 GMT. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Bennington Police Department executed their . of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. 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. BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. 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. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Chance of snow 70%.. in police interrogations. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. 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. 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. 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. 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. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. 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. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. or the public information officer. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. A copy of the complaint is available here. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. 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. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. 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. Riendeau was released to a sober party. 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. DEC: Anglers hoard panfish in catch and release area, Bennington restaurant closing after 16 years, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Crossgates Mall opening at noon due to weather, Chatham sinks game-winner to win section title, Duanesburg tops Hoosic Valley to win section title, Snow begins falling in Capital Region during latest, Projections show Social Security fund running dry, Judge rules against herbicide in Lake George, Retired racehorses rescue first responders, Gillibrand talks veteran aid in Glens Falls, NYSP: One dead in fatal industrial accident in Herkimer, 03/03/2023: Significant winter storm tonight, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. . According to police, the device was confirmed to be an energetic destructive device. Press Releases; Top Stories. 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. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriffs Department also responded to the incident. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. the court. 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. 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. 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. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. 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 . Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. The reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. We hope that state legislators recognize that far more needs to be done to establish meaningful police oversight and accountability protections so that all community members are safe from abuses like these, and their rights are respected.. 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. Feb 24. 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. 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 commented following the release of multiple police . Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. Like us on Facebook. Syringe Services Program information card. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. . All rights reserved. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Sgt. by: Courtney Ward. 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. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. . 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. 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. He had the gun. 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. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. BENNINGTON, Vt. . 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. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . 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. 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.. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. Chance of snow 40%. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. You . 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 Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. 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. 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. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . 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. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. . Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. the court. They say the car hit Monday is. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case 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.. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%. After. Subscribe today. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. 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. 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. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. 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 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. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Anthony Union High School. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. Contact Tiffany Tan . The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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.
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