bennington, vt police press release bennington, vt police press release

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. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. Media Releases and News. in police interrogations. 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. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. 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. 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. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. 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. You have permission to edit this article. . 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. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. 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. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. Chance of snow 70%.. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. . 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. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . 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. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) Vermont State Police are reporting the arrest of Max Misch, 38, of Bennington for violating the conditions of his release. Follow 21K. South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 652-6300 . 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. You . Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Feb 24. 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. Contact Tiffany Tan . BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. by: Courtney Ward. Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. 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. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. . One driver traveling in the same direction on Jan. 8 told police the Heck vehicle earlier passed several vehicles in the breakdown lane at speeds the witness estimated at up to 100 mph, before then slowing to almost a complete stop and almost causing a crash. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . 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. the court. . Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Healing of the community means healing of all. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. 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. 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. Simultaneously State Police were advised the vehicle in question had recently been stolen from the Town of Manchester. Upon arrival Troopers located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with significant damage in the middle of the roadway. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. 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. Press Releases; Top Stories. Low 29F. 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. or the public information officer. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. . These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Copyright 2022 WCAX. He had the gun. 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. 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. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. 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. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. 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. 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 suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. Share this page on your favorite Social network. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. 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. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. the court. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. Syringe Services Program information card. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. 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. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. 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. 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . 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. . Like us on Facebook. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. 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. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. If the Bennington County State's Attorney's Office and the Vermont Judiciary are disconnected from the Bennington Police Department, and/or the laws they are enforcing, the public loses faith in the police. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. After. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. Preliminary investigation revealed that Jelley's vehicle was travelling East on Burgess Road when the vehicle exited the south side of the roadway for unknown reasons. Like us on Facebook. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. A copy of the complaint is available here. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. 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. 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.. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. 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. Speaking after release of the reports, Doucette said he is sorry for the familys loss, but he also believes people have to look at the totality of circumstances surrounding this incident, which he said emerged in the incident reports, especially after a medical examiners report was released late last week confirmed the alcohol level. 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. It also has not identified the female victim. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. Show Transcript. 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. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. 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. 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. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. Don't miss the big stories. 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. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. 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. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. : Mr. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. 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. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. 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. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. 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. Copy and paste this code into your website. 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. 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 Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. 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. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. 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. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. 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.