If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. ACLU Sues Bennington Police Over 2016 Investigation, Arrest Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Adoption of these approaches must become wide-spread and serve as principles for the Bennington Police Department. The week-long camp is a great way for kids to learn new skills while doing fun activities and building positive relationships. 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. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. Occasional snow showers. The Vermont State Police disseminates news releases for significant criminal or public safety incidents and arrests. 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. 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. An employee at the building alerted police out of concern for a judge who was working in the building at the time. 2 Bennington residents arrested after search turns up firearms, drugs A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. 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. Police say Patrick Mullinnex, 38, of Springfield,. Town of Bennington, Vermont - Serving people through teamwork Subscribe today. 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. Bennington Police Department press release Jan. 11, 2021 BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. 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 Police Department leadership need to continue to emphasize and prioritize equally both the physical safety and mental well-being of officers and staff. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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 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.. As of Monday evening, it was unclear whether the suspect has already been charged or when he might appear in court. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. Police: Arrest made in Bennington killing | Local News An officer provided first aid until the Bennington Rescue Squad arrived, he said. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. Press Releases; Top Stories. 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 in police interrogations. 'Energetic destructive device' found at house in Bennington, Vt BPD releases officer reports on Heck crash, aftermath | Local News Bennington Police Department | Bennington VT - Facebook Trio of Vermonters accused of kidnapping, assault - NEWS10 ABC Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Bennington Police identify the deceased in Route 279 overpass incident . Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. 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. 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Officers searching the night of the crash with a K-9 unit reported hearing branches breaking in the woods near a 10-foot wildlife fence and called out, saying, Bennington Police K-9 unit. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. 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 vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Pictured are scenes from a multi-vehicle crash & slide-offs this morning on I-89 in Georgia VT. ALT. 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. 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. 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.. 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. 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. Multiple people arrested in Bennington drug bust - NEWS10 ABC 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. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. COURT DATE/TIME: 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. the court. The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. Sgt. BENNINGTON, Vt. . Lawsuit Challenges Rights Violations by Bennington Police Officials 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. 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. 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 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. While speaking with Riendeau indicators of impairment were observed. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Bennington Police, Bennington Rescue Squad, Bennington Fire Department and Walt's Towing. Sgt. 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. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. Bennington homicide victim linked to assault, kidnapping in Springfield The victim was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, where she died of her injuries later Monday, police said. Bennington - AP NEWS Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Three Bennington residents arrested in two separate drug busts The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. 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. 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. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. 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. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash - news10.com 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. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. After. Acknowledge that past and present inequities in the Bennington community often shape views that drive calls for change. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. 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. 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. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Don't miss the big stories. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. 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. Winds light and variable. 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 . Like us on Facebook. 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. The illegally obtained evidence was then used against Mr. Chinnici at trial. 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. Twelve Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Narcotics Trafficking who were targeted by BPDis currently pending at the Human Rights Commission. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. Bennington County States Attorney Erica Marthage couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. Police investigate shooting in Bennington - wcax.com Hager told police Heck then began to apply his brakes, and slowed to about 25 miles per hour. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Officers responded to 308 Pleasant Street for a report of a fight involving a knife. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse | Local News