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. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. 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. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. : Mr. 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. 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. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Chance of snow 40%. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). 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. 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. Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. Afterward, back on the record, Doucette implied that Mayhew had named John Chinnici specifically, which Mayhew denied. Copyright 2022 WCAX. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . Investigations are ongoing. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. Feb 24. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . 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. 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. You have permission to edit this article. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. 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. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. 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. 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. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. 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. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. 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. 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.. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. or the public information officer. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. Police investigate shooting in Bennington, Northern New York woman killed in 2-vehicle crash. Press Releases. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. 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. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. Posted: Feb 27, 2023 / 10:10 PM EST. Ensure that all voices are welcomed and heard. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Doucette said several decisions by Heck are what led to the crash and finally to his death by exposure, adding that police attempted to find him after he left the crash scene but he eluded officers. Subscribe today. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Jason Burnham or Detective Corey Briggs at 802-442-1030 or through the BPD website, benningtonpolice.com. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. Low 29F. 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. . 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. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. Don't miss the big stories. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. 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.. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. 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. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, . Police found a female victim on the ground just off of the walkway suffering from a significant laceration, Doucette said. Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. Vermont News. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. According to property management, there was nobody living at the residence as the the residence was in transition. 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. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. May 13, 2022 GMT. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. the court. 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. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. 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. 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. 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. Bennington Police have been. 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. 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. The male operator of the vehicle, Bradley J. Jelley was located outside the vehicle with suspected serious injuries. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. 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. Winds light and variable. 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. 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. 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. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Planned Parenthood to close 5 centers in north New England. You have permission to edit this article. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. He was taken into custody soon after. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. or the public information officer. 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. 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. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. The Bennington Police Department and Chief Paul Doucette have earned the 2021 Environmental Leadership award from Climate Advocates Bennington. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. 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. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. Like us on Facebook. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Occasional snow showers. Like us on Facebook. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.