A firearms training center owner in Vermont is facing charges of resisting arrest and aggravated assault after being taken into custody following a struggle with authorities. The owner, involved in a long-standing legal battle with a town, was arrested by a constable during a traffic stop for speeding.
The owner, identified as Daniel Banyai, was a passenger in the vehicle that was pulled over. A physical altercation ensued between Banyai and the constable, leading to the use of pepper spray to facilitate the arrest. Banyai was later treated for minor injuries at a local hospital, while the constable received medical evaluation.
Banyai is currently being held at a prison in Rutland on a $15,000 bail pending arraignment. This incident comes after a Vermont Environmental Court judge found Banyai in contempt of court for failing to remove unpermitted structures on his property. This was the second time in the past year that a judge had ordered his arrest.
The property in question, known as Slate Ridge, had been a subject of dispute between Banyai and the town for several years. Following complaints from neighbors, the town had sought the removal of structures, including firing ranges, from the property. Despite court orders to cease firearms training and remove unpermitted structures, Banyai had not complied.
In response to the situation at Slate Ridge, the Vermont Legislature passed a bill criminalizing the ownership or operation of paramilitary training camps in the state. The bill was signed into law by Governor Phil Scott in May.
