- Daniel Bunyai, the owner of a Vermont firearms training center, was arrested after getting into a fight with a town police officer during a traffic stop.
- Banyai has been charged with resisting arrest and aggravated assault and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.
- As a result of the altercation, officers used pepper spray to subdue Mr. Banyai, who suffered minor injuries and was treated at Rutland Hospital.
The owner of a Vermont firearms training center was ordered arrested by a judge in December after a long legal battle with the town, was taken into custody after a struggle, and is now charged with resisting arrest and aggravated assault. announced the authorities.
Daniel Banyai is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. His attorney did not return calls seeking comment.
According to Vermont State Police, Bagnyai was a passenger in a car stopped Wednesday by a Paulette town trooper for speeding. Police said Banyai got into an argument with a police officer, who used pepper spray and arrested him.
Owner of Vermont Firearms Training Center arrested until portions of 30-acre facility are demolished
The officer was treated for minor injuries at Rutland Hospital and evaluated by rescue crews. Police said Bunyai is being held at the Rutland Jail on $15,000 short of bail, pending arraignment.
Slate Ridge owner Daniel Banyai speaks with supporters on April 17, 2021 in West Pawlet, Vermont. Bunyai, a former Vermont firearms training center owner, was arrested Wednesday in Pawlet, Vermont, according to state police. (AP Photo/Wilson Ring, File)
In December, a Vermont Environmental Court judge found Bunyai in contempt of court for failing to completely remove all unauthorized structures on his property during a long legal battle with the town. It was decided that This is the second time in the last year that a judge has ordered his arrest.
The Rutland County Sheriff and Vermont State Police were ordered to report to a judge about their efforts to arrest him, and in court documents say they visited the property multiple times and were told he had left the state. Stated.
Vermont shooting range owner ordered to remove all illegal structures on property
Paulette’s property, known as Slate Ridge, included buildings and two shooting ranges. After complaints from nearby residents, the town tried for several years to get Ban Yai to remove the structure. Three years ago, the Environmental Court ordered Banyai to stop firearms training at the center and remove unauthorized structures. An appeal to the Vermont Supreme Court was denied.
In February 2023, a judge issued a scathing order holding Banyai in contempt of court for willfully ignoring a series of court orders issued since the case began. At the time, failure to comply by June 23 could result in jail time and fines exceeding $100,000.
In response to Slate Ridge, Congress passed a bill that would make it a crime to own or operate a paramilitary training camp in the state. Republican Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill in May.
