VSP News Releases: Shaftsbury Barracks/ DUI #1, Negligent Operation, Possession of Stolen Property 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. COURT: Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division, *Please note: court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of, the court. Nobody was hurt during this investigation and it is believed at this time there is no threat to the public. The primary cause of this crash remains under investigation, however speed appears to be a contributing factor. The story will be updated as more information is made available. Wright faces a maximum six-months in jail and a $250 fine, if convicted on the count. Elected and appointed officials are responsible for facilitating this process, ensuring thoughtful changes are implemented, and owning the outcome. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Troopers report they found a Chevrolet Silverado with significant . 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. Police were granted a search warrant and rendered the scene safe at around 5 p.m. Chance of snow 70%.. After getting a description of the suspect, a BPD officer reportedly found him on School Street. He also told police he did not know Heck to be someone who would drink and drive, according to the reports. Press Releases. 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. 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. 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. 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. Superhero 5K - November, 2022. . The search had been suspended on Friday night, according to the reports, because of darkness, the cold, the loss of the scent track, and not knowing if the male had a weapon.. 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. 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. Federal money bound for Burlington Airport to fund terminal expansion Updated : Feb. 28 . Wright makes many posts on social media in which he can be observed harassing police officers, members of the media and court employees. 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. 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. A similar proposal was one of many police reforms opposed and defeated by law enforcement leaders last year. Police tried to arrest him once a second officer arrived at the location. 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?". . Low 29F. The Bennington community should expect excellence, while also recognizing that Bennington Police Officers are human. May 13, 2022 GMT. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. 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. The Vermont Police Bomc Squad rendered the device safe and evidence was collected. This extensive effort in the United States brought together subject matter experts to study and produce recommendations related to the entire criminal justice system. The police dog found a scent to follow for a time Friday but it was eventually lost, police said. Multiple crews responded but did not find anything. Like us on Facebook. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Police are investigating after a suspicious explosive device was found inside a home in Bennington on Thursday. 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. Chance of snow 90%.. In addition, the specialized resources of the Vermont State Police support our local, county and federal partners in times of need. Chance of snow 40%. 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. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. 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. Both vehicles had been travelling east shortly after 6 p.m. from Hoosick, N.Y., into Bennington. Don't miss the big stories. Healing of the community means healing of all. Contact: Stephanie Gomory, [emailprotected], 802-223-6304x111. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. or the public information officer. Bennington Police Officers are the branch of municipal government that enforces the law, but they do not make the laws. Wright allegedly threatened to intentionally cause a car crash with the former judge to attempt to show he drives intoxicated. Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Shepley at the above listed phone number. 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., On the morning of January 11, 2016, two masked men robbed employees of Martins Mini Mart, the latest of a string of unsolved robberies in Bennington. Please contact the public information officer if you need access to one that is older. Local man arrested for attempted break-in at courthouse. Referring to social media and other criticism of the departments actions from the time of the crash on a Friday night, Jan. 8, until Hecks body was found the following Monday, Jan. 11, Doucette said, I stand by the actions of the officers.. Bennington Police Department executed their . According to the police affidavit in the case, on March 1, Wright Jr. posted a video on social media of himself entering a code into an employee door of the Bennington Courthouse after the building was closed. 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. There needs to be acknowledgement and empathy shown to all regardless of position, race, religion, gender, or socio-economic standing. 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%.. Share this page on your favorite Social network. Additional factors, he said, include other drivers who witnessed what was described as a road rage incident on Route 279 on Jan. 8. 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. 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. 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. They are Trooper Paul Pennoyer and Sgt. 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. Develop an objective and clearly established evaluation process for the Bennington Police Department based on shared, understood expectations. Mr. Chinnici was prosecuted based on evidence arising from these unlawful actions, though his resulting conviction was eventually thrown out. The reports also note that Hecks wallet was inside the vehicle along with a .40 cal. 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. 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. . The Advocates recognize the departments forward thinking and action to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid vehicles and their growing e-bike program. You . 317 were here. 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. Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. 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. Like us on Facebook. 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. 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. 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. Trooper responded and located the vehicle travelling north on US Route 7. When they arrived, authorities say they found an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the torso. These releases are not intended to document every public contact or response to a call-for-service. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. He had the gun. 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. After an attempt was made to locate Wright, an arrest warrant was issued. 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. Vermont State Police and the Bennington County Sheriff's Department also responded to the incident. Please note news releases are available on this blog for 30 days following their public release. 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.