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. Public Information | Vermont State Police the court. Press Releases; Top Stories. Police release identities of Bennington homicide victim, suspect Bennington homicide victim linked to assault, kidnapping in Springfield The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg. 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. 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. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. 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. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. 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. 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. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. 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. 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. 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. Bennington Banner Compliments of: The Bennington Banner Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. Occasional snow showers. 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.. VSP News Releases The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. Don't miss the big stories. The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. 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. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . 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. 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. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. . Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. 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. : Mr. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Copy and paste this code into your website. 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. 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. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. 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. 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. Shaftsbury man sues Vermont State Police for $25 million - VTDigger Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. Slashing death in broad daylight in Bennington leads to - VTDigger Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. 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. 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. He had the gun. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. 'Energetic destructive device' found at house in Bennington, Vt 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. You have permission to edit this article. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. They said they attempted to call a possible contact for Heck but did not receive an immediate call back. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. Don't miss the big stories. 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. 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. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Vermont State Police (@VTStatePolice) / Twitter 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. Officers reported that Hager told them Hecks vehicle then tried to pull back in front of him too soon and crashed into the front driver side fender of his truck, before the Nissan went out of control and rolled over three times. Press Releases. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. 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. 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. Riendeau was released to a sober party. Upon arrival Troopers located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with significant damage in the middle of the roadway. He had the gun. UPDATE: Bennington man, ACLU sue police over arrest He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. Bennington Police looking for men who allegedly robbed store Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Vermont News. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. 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. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. 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. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). the court. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. Bennington Police investigate possible 'incendiary' device 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. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. You have permission to edit this article. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Published: Nov. 14, 2020 at 6:34 AM PST. 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. 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. 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. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. 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. 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. 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. 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. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. Like us on Facebook. He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. News - wcax.com Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ Serious Injury Crash Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. One-car crash in Bennington under investigation 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. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. The Bennington Police Department is withholding the suspects name until criminal charges are filed. 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. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. 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. If you have a question regarding an incident or case, please contact your local state police. Roscoe Harrington stated in a report filed Feb. 8, It is this officers belief that the cause of this crash was gross negligent operation on the part of Heck. Follow 21K. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Bennington Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Come out with your hands up, but there was no response, and police did not see the person making the noise. Winds light and variable. . Home Page | Vermont State Police Police investigate shooting in Bennington - wcax.com Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Occasional snow showers. 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, Vt. . BPD was unable to release the name until now because they hadn't been able to find family to notify. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. 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. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. It also has not identified the female victim. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. 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. Vermont schools, N.H. Walmarts receive apparent hoax threats