Pittsfield Police Arrest Two Men on Firearms Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Two local men were arrested late Thursday night on firearms charges after police investigated reports of gunfire in the city's West Side. 

 

Tajaye Davis, 24, and Zyir Rasheed, 19, both of Pittsfield, were both arraigned on Friday morning in Central Berkshire District Court on charges possession of a firearm without having firearms identification card or license to carry, possession of ammunition without an FID, and receiving stolen property less than $1,200 in value. Police say additional charges are pending.

 

A ShotSpotter activation reported gunfire first in the area of John Street at about 9:43 p.m. on Thursday. Responding officers and the Detective and Crime Scene units located evidence of gunfire.  No victims or property damage were discovered.

 

Two hours later, at 11:43 p.m., a second ShotSpotter activation reported gunfire in the area of Francis Avenue. A State Police trooper was in close proximity, heard the shots, and observed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed.

 

A motor vehicle stop was initiated by the trooper on Danforth Avenue, where he was joined by multiple Pittsfield Police units.

 

The two occupants of the vehicle were detained, and a firearm was discovered inside the vehicle. Subsequent investigation revealed no victims or property damage on Francis Avenue.

 

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Pittsfield Police units and the State Police Ballistics Unit. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Pittsfield Police Department Detective Bureau at 413-448-9705. Information can also be sent via by texting PITTIP and your message to 847411 (TIP411) or provided anonymously via the Detective Bureau Tip Line at 413-448-9706.