By Doug LaRocque

Daniel Banyai’s many months of avoiding arrest on a mittimus (arrest warrant) issued by the Environmental Division of Vermont Superior Court came to an end on Wednesday, March 20.

Pawlet 2nd Constable Thomas Covino pulled over a vehicle for speeding within the Town of Pawlet and observed Banyai in the passenger seat. The constable ordered the 50-year-old Banyai to exit the vehicle, and when he refused, a struggle ensued, according to police.

Banyai is alleged to have struck Covino in the side of the head and the constable then used pepper spray to subdue him. Banyai was placed in cuffs and transported to the Vermont State Police barracks in Rutland. He was later treated at the Rutland Regional Medical Center for injuries suffered during the struggle and then remanded to the Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland.

Constable Covino was evaluated and treated for his injuries by the Fair Haven Rescue Squad.

Banyai was arraigned the following day on charges of resisting arrest, aggravated assault and assault on a protected professional. He pleaded not guilty. He was ordered jailed on $15,000 bail and if released, is under a house curfew every night and not allowed to leave the state without the court’s permission.

The mittimus was leveled against Banyai after he failed to comply with an order from the Town of Pawlet to remove unpermitted structures at his Slate Ridge Firearms Training Facility.

Banyai is due back in court on June 3 for a status hearing.

At the time of the arrest, the constable called for state police back-up, but was informed the nearest patrol was 35 minutes away. The Granville Village Police were then dispatched, however Banyai was already in custody on their arrival.