The incident is the first reported homicide case in Bennington or the county this year. According to reports from the officers involved, witnesses said Heck, 35, was involved in an apparent road rage incident and attempting to pass a pickup truck near the Austin Hill Road underpass when his Nissan Frontier pickup truck swerved and struck the side of the other vehicle. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Anthony Union High School. 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. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. 317 were here. We look forward to next year, Community Policing Advisory Review Board (CPARB), Back to School Backpack Event - coming Aug. 18th, 2022, Police Officers Receive Mental Health First Aid Training - April, 2022, Bennington Police Department Welcomes Three Recruits - January, 2022, Bennington Police Department Receives Environmental Leadership Award - October, 2021, Doucette Wins VTrans Highway Safety Award, Tenets of the Bennington Police Department - Moving Forward, Members of the Bennington Police Department are raising cancer awareness, Helping Vermonters Reduce their Risk of Opioid Overdose. 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. 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. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. Vermont News. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A suspect is on the run after a shooting in Bennington and police say he is considered armed and dangerous. State and local police, along with members of the Bureau of . BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Let's take a look at what to do this Saturday. Contributing factors, road rage, and DUI drugs/alcohol.. 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. He was taken to Albany Medical Center and is in is in stable condition. You have permission to edit this article. Officers said they then began patrolling overnight on roads around the area trying to locate the driver. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. It also has not identified the female victim. Email jtherrien@benningtonbanner.com. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. Hager told police at the crash scene that Hecks vehicle had passed several vehicles and he was behind it traveling east on Route 279. Feb 24. The device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. While there are multiple ways to hold offenders accountable, prosecutorial and judicial discretion is an important tenet of the criminal justice system. The Bennington Police Department is still searching for his alleged killer, Raul Cardona, 28 . Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. 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.. The incident was first reported on. . He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) Vermont State Police were dispatched to a one-car crash with ejection on Burgess Road in Woodford. I stand by the actions of the officers.. If Heck had not left the scene of the crash, he would have been charged with gross negligent operation and aggravated assault, Harrington wrote. The deceased is Elton Dowd, 19, of Fitchburg, Mass. He said he stopped after the crash and asked if Heck was OK, and Heck repeatedly said he was before running from the scene to the south of the highway near the Austin Hill Road underpass. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. . Harrington reported that Bombard said he last saw Heck around 4 p.m. the night of the crash. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. And there could be questions about where Heck became intoxicated, Doucette said, noting that he was reported to have been at the Man of Kent Tavern on Route 7 in Hoosick, N.Y., earlier that day. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. 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. Complaints against members of the Bennington Police Department must receive thorough, timely, transparent, and objective investigation to determine the validity of the complaint, root cause of failure and work towards improvement. 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Mr. Chinnici was seized in front of family, handcuffed, and charged with the robbery. in police interrogations. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. In Bennington, police said they received a false report of two student shootings one at Grace Christian School and one at Mt. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Prosecution and punishment should be proportional to the offense alleged and should not vary by race, wealth or status of the defendant. Subscribe today. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Troopers made contact with the operator who was identified as Riendeau (52). Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. The exact day or time of death was not determined, Doucette said. 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. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. . He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. He was ordered to not have any contact or harass Scanlon, not to come within 10 feet of the courthouse or stalk Scanlon in any manner. 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.. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . . He is charged with one count of attempted unlawful trespass into a building-a misdemeanor. 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. Like us on Facebook. 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. Wright faces a maximum six months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Occasional snow showers. The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the center of Burgess Road. Driver hospitalized after Bennington car crash. Winds light and variable. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. 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. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. Contact Tiffany Tan at ttan@benningtonbanner.com or @tiffgtan on Facebook and Twitter. 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. Headquarters | 45 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671 | 802-241-5000, RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Colin Shepley, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Bennington, Vermont. A Bennington man, Joseph Cattani, 48, is facing manslaughter and aggravated assault charges in Sharbys death. BENNINGTON A well-known local Bennington man was arrested late Thursday evening after he allegedly attempted to break into the Bennington Courthouse by punching in different codes in the keypad security system. Thomas "TJ" Howard, both of the Vermont State Police. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. A weapon believed to be involved in the attack was recovered by officers, he said in the release. Police did speak to the contact on Sunday, Jan. 10, and were told they had not seen Heck since Friday morning. ACLU of Vermont Legal Director Lia Ernst: Mr. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. Copy and paste this code into your website. Bennington Police say an officer investigating a separate incident near Route 279 Tuesday heard shots nearby. 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 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. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. Jim Therrien writes for the Vermont News and Media newspapers, including the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer. 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. Doucette commented following the release of multiple police . 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 say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. 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. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. Recently, according to the affidavit, Wright approached an officer telling him to arrest a former judge for driving under the influence. Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. 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 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. Tiffany Tan reported for the Bennington Banner from November 2018 to September 2021, with a focus on police and court stories. 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. The Bennington Police Department discusses in a press release, issued Jan. 11, their work following Hans Heck's vehicular crash on Jan. 8. . 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. The reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. Members of the Bennington Police Department and elected and appointed officials must jointly shoulder the responsibility to share expectations and offer solutions. 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. Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. Embrace proven, evidence-based programs that incorporate broader public health and social wellness into cohesive approaches to community wellness and public safety in Bennington. 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. Show Transcript. 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. Doucette said Wednesday that police came to believe that Heck deliberately struck Hagers truck prior to the crash. 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. Chance of snow 70%.. 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. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. Chance of snow 40%. BENNINGTON, Vt. ( NEWS10) The Bennington Police Department touting a large drug bust on Tuesday. Incorporate this belief into the mission, vision, goals, ethics, and oath of the Bennington Police Department. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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. : Mr. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. Mr. Chinnici now asserts that BPD officials and the Town of Bennington violated his federal and state constitutional rights. Police arrested Austin Mayhew on January 14, and he ultimately admitted to being one of the two robbers. Subsequently, Riendeau was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI. BPD continued pushing Mayhew to incriminate Mr. Chinnici, ignoring Mayhews invocation of Miranda rights and promising him leniency. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. 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. 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 same year the IACP issued its findings and reform recommendations, the ACLU, against BPD, while another caseinvolving, city officials retaliation against an interracial family. Shortly after the incident, someone ignited fireworks in the area of Depot Street, he explained. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. 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. From 3PM Thursday to 3PM today, troopers responded to 50 weather-related crashes, bringing the total for this round of winter weather to 89. The witness told police the truck identified as Hagers then passed the Heck vehicle and the Nissan sped up alongside and swerved into Hagers truck before crashing and rolling over into guardrails. Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . 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 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. The suspect resisted arrest but was detained after a brief struggle, Doucette said. You . Copyright 2022 WCAX. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. BENNINGTON, Vt. . Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Winds light and variable. . Police investigate an area of the Walloomsac River pathway in Bennington on Monday. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 01:19 PM EST. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Low 29F. Williams was later issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division to be arraigned for the charge of Simple Assault. Smith & Wesson handgun, and said a conceal carry gun permit from the state of Florida was inside the wallet. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. A second device was located inside the residence but also determined not to be destructive. 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. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. 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 . by: Courtney Ward. 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.