On Saturday, Jan. 9 around 3:12 pm Pittsfield Police Department, Pittsfield Fire Department and County Ambulance responded to the intersection of South Street and South Mountain Road for a report of a vehicle accident with unknown injuries. 

 

As a result of the preliminary investigation, it was determined the driver of a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, identified as 35 year old Matthew Arico of Cheshire, was traveling northbound on South Street and struck the rear of a 2016 Toyota Camry, operated by 31 year old Ryan Harmon of Pittsfield. This impact pushed Harmon's vehicle into the rear of a 2014 Toyota Corolla, being operated by 57 year old Gina Squires of Dalton.

 

Investigation showed Harmon's and Squires' vehicles were stopped or had just started forward traveling northbound at the intersection when Arico struck the rear of Harmon's vehicle. 

 

Based on the amount of damage to the vehicles, it is believed Arico was traveling higher than posted speed limit. 

 

Arico and Harmon were transported by County Ambulance to Berkshire Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Squires refused medical transport at the scene. 

 

Northbound traffic was diverted at Dan Fox Drive while the accident was cleared and the roadway was opened up at approximately 4:00 PM. Arico was cited with failing to use care and speeding. 

 

The accident remains under investigation by the Pittsfield Police Traffic Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact Officer David Hallas at 448-9700 Ext. 560