Vermont Firearms Center Owner Arrested After Altercation with Constable

Owner of Vermont firearms center arrested after struggle with constable during traffic stop, facing charges of resisting arrest and assault.

In a recent turn of events, the owner of a firearms training center in Vermont, Daniel Banyai, has been taken into custody after a struggle with the authorities. This comes after a long-running legal battle with the town, which has led to a series of confrontations and legal troubles for Banyai.

Arrest and Charges

Daniel Banyai, who was ordered arrested by a judge in December, now faces charges of resisting arrest and aggravated assault. He was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over for speeding by a Pawlet town constable. A physical altercation ensued, leading to the use of pepper spray by the constable to facilitate Banyai's arrest. Following the altercation, Banyai was treated for minor injuries at a Rutland hospital, while the constable was evaluated by a rescue squad. Banyai is currently being held at a prison in Rutland for lack of $15,000 bail, pending arraignment.

Legal Battle and Contempt of Court

In December, a Vermont Environmental Court judge ruled that Banyai was in contempt of court for failing to completely remove all unpermitted structures on his property. This ruling was the culmination of a long-standing legal dispute between Banyai and the town. The property, known as Slate Ridge, has been a source of contention due to its unpermitted structures and firearms training activities, despite previous court orders to cease such operations.

Judicial Orders and Legislative Action

The legal saga took a new turn in February 2023, when a judge issued a scathing order against Banyai for deliberately flouting court orders. The order stipulated potential jail time and fines exceeding $100,000 if Banyai failed to comply by a specified date. Furthermore, in response to the situation at Slate Ridge, the Legislature passed a bill making it a crime to own or operate paramilitary training camps in the state. 

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