Bennington Police Department leaders and officers need to be able to speak about potential outcomes to operational changes. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. BPD officers had already been harassing Mr. Chinnici, including stopping him without cause simply because he was in [their] radar sights.. 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. 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. He must appear at any scheduled hearings in Windham County or face a violation of release. 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. Sgt. Subscribe today. A cell phone also was found, but it could not be accessed because it was fingerprint password protected, police said. Jim Therrien writes for New England Newspapers in Southern Vermont. 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. In a follow-up report on Feb. 2, Harrington said he had talked with Bombard by phone about Hecks demeanor while at the Man of Kent Jan. 8. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bennington Police at (802) 442-1030 or online at www.benningtonpolice.com. : Mr. Jelley was subsequently transported to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Show Transcript. 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. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. Police say a male suspect in the shooting is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no danger to the public. According to a Vermont State Police news release, Patrick Mullinnex, the deceased victim in Wednesday's shooting on Pleasant Street in . BENNINGTON, Vt. . Snow showers. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Two drug busts in Bennington have three residents facing a multitude of drug charges. 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. 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 device was found by property management personnel who were doing work at the residence. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 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. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. Police have said the other shoe might have pulled off his foot in a wet area or stream in the woods. Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. Like us on Facebook. 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. DEC: Anglers hoard panfish in catch and release area, Bennington restaurant closing after 16 years, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Crossgates Mall opening at noon due to weather, Chatham sinks game-winner to win section title, Duanesburg tops Hoosic Valley to win section title, Snow begins falling in Capital Region during latest, Projections show Social Security fund running dry, Judge rules against herbicide in Lake George, Retired racehorses rescue first responders, Gillibrand talks veteran aid in Glens Falls, NYSP: One dead in fatal industrial accident in Herkimer, 03/03/2023: Significant winter storm tonight, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. COURT: Vermont Superior Court, Bennington Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. They also checked with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center but were told he had not been treated there. The report was commissioned after revelations that Bennington officials, 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. Don't miss the big stories. the court. Sauer was later processed at the Shaftsbury State Police Barracks and released with a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division on 02/27/2023 at 0815 hours. . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. Police say at about 9:15 a.m., people working at. The body has since been transported to Vermonts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. 317 were here. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Whenever feasible, policies and practices should be evidence-based and represent the best interest of all involved. 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. BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) Police took a 17-year-old male into custody near a Vermont high school after investigating a report of a . Ensure that the fundamental principle of the Bennington Police Department . Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. Police say there is no danger to the public, and no one has been reported injured. 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. 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. 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. Chance of snow 70%.. 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. 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 robbery, despite the fact that Mr. Chinnici did not match witness descriptions and no other evidence connected him to the crime. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Bennington Police are investigating a shooting late Saturday night. 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. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. Low 29F. 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. 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. 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. 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. He then begins kicking the door and, getting no response, begins punching in numbers in an attempt to gain entry. 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. It also has not identified the female victim. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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 Bennington Police Department was the first chartered municipal police department in the. 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. 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. According to a posting by the Bennington Police Department, they responded immediately and determined the reports were false. 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 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. Syringe Services Program information card. Wright was released after pleading not guilty to the charge. Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. 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. Ralph Wright Jr., 64, was arraigned at the same courthouse he attempted to break into. 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. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. 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. On that Sunday, police also reported speaking with Bombard, owner of the Man of Kent. This responsibility includes listening and weighing outcomes of potential decisions and policies.