Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! 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. Anthony Union High School. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. 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. Like us on Facebook. 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. Feb 24. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. . Bombard also told police that Heck was not a big drinker and he did not know Heck to be a person who would drink and drive.. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. Low 29F. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. 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. Lake Champlain Chocolates is hosting a free chocolate demo this afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Burlington. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Subscribe today. 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. 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. . He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. Police investigated a report of an explosive device found at a property in Bennington on Thursday. 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. Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. Bennington Police Department executed their . 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. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. 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 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. The incident was first reported on. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. 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. 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. or the public information officer. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. 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. 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. 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. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. January 18, 2023. 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. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. 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. 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. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. 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. He had the gun. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. 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. After. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . Not you. After sustained pressure by BPD, Mr. Mayhew falsely identified Mr. Chinnici as his accompliceapproximately 30 minutes. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A drug bust in Bennington on Monday ended with police arresting eight people, including one who jumped out a second-story window. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. 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. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. 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. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. They say they responded to a residence for a report of suspicious drug activity. Contrary to social media reports, no bomb or explosive device was involved in the attack, Doucette said. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. 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. Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) Vermont State Police are reporting the arrest of Max Misch, 38, of Bennington for violating the conditions of his release. Media Releases and News. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. or the public information officer. of Ballston Spa, New York, police said in a news release. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . Vermont State Police have arrested two people in connection with stolen firearms from a Waterbury gun shop. 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. The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest about 25 feet off the north side of the highway. . 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. Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault . 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. 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. 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. 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. 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?". The Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. More information Bennington police accused of negligence in missing man case You . A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. 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. 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. He had the gun. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. Chance of snow 40%. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. As a result, there needs to be continued alignment between the Bennington Police Department and the Bennington County State's Attorney's Office to ensure agreement on the enforcement and prosecution of criminal offenses. Bennington Countys last known homicide was the fatal beating of Christopher Sharby, 46, which authorities said happened in Bennington last September. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. Don't miss the big stories. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. . 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 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. 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 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. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. 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. Occasional snow showers. . These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Share this page on your favorite Social network. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Wright requested a court-appointed defense attorney, which was granted. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). 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.. Occasional snow showers. The prosecution is being handled by the Office's Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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. who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. Heck also had a conceal carry firearms permit from the state of Florida, where the Nissan was registered, and was seen taking something from his vehicle before running from the crash scene before police arrived. 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. 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. Doucette then returned to pressuring Mayhew, telling him [Y]ou gotta be the one to officially say it. Follow 21K. BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. Police detectives say that Misch went to the . Members of the Bennington community need to be clear in their expectations for the police department. You have permission to edit this article. Sgt. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. The driver then fled the scene on foot running south into the wooded area, police said they were told, and that the driver appeared to be intoxicated. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change.