Pittsfield Plans Second Mosquito Spraying Friday

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Health Department has announced that spraying will once again take place on Friday between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. in response to the recent Eastern Equine Encephalitis finding in the city.

Spraying will occur in the southeast section of the city in the area bordered by East Street to the North, Dalton Division Road to the East, Williams and Elm streets to the south, and Dorchester Avenue and Newell Street to the west.

"While no other special measures are required either before or after the application, residents may consider closing windows, turning off fans and air conditioners, washing homegrown vegetables, removing clothes from the clothesline and staying indoors during the applications," said Public Health Director Merridith O'Leary.

Last Friday, the state Department of Public Health announced that EEE virus has been detected in bird-biting mosquitoes collected from the southeast section of Pittsfield. Berkshire County Mosquito Control treated the area last weekend, and plans to follow up again on Friday evening as recommended by the MDPH and Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project.

All spray exclusions registered with the Berkshire County Mosquito Project will be honored during this latest treatment. Any resident who wishes to opt out of the this application and future treatments is asked to contact the BCMP before Friday at 5 at 413-474-9808.

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Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to 2025 Assault, Firearm Charges

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is facing up to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple assault and firearm charges from last year. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office has reported that on Thursday, Oct. 15, Jarvis L. Chadwell Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was sentenced to 7 to 9 years in state prison following an incident on Oct. 18, 2025.

Police say that he fired a gun multiple times in a vehicle over an argument, striking the car and nearby home.  

"This incident was not just alarming because there was gun violence, but also because it occurred in such close proximity to a school. I will not waver on my stance towards gun violence in our community — gun violence must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said. 

"While I am committed to supporting those who need our help with recovery options and courts of hope, we must also protect our children and communities from the threat of violence that can claim lives in an instant. I commend the Pittsfield Police for their response and dedication to quickly solving this crime."

This occurred near Morningside Community School, which was retired at the end of the last academic year. 

Charges: 

  • armed assault with intent to murder
  • attempted assault & battery by discharging a firearm
  • witness intimidation
  • malicious destruction of property
  • resisting arrest
  • assault and battery on a police officer
  • illegal possession of a firearm
  • illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device
  • possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card 
  • possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Probation conditions include a mental health evaluation and aftercare; sign any releases required by probation; and refrain from abuse of the named victim, including threats of violence.

Pittsfield Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 65 Cherry St. just before 1 a.m. on that day in 2025. Upon arrival, police say witnesses confirmed hearing a gunshot and observing a man fleeing the area.

"While outside the 65 Cherry Street residence, officers observed a vehicle parked near the neighboring residence with a bullet hole in the windshield and an additional bullet hole in the side of 67 Cherry Street. Based on witness descriptions at the scene, law enforcement was able to quickly locate the Defendant within 30 minutes of the incident," a press release from the DA reads. 

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