Three Arrested In Great Barrington Drug Investigation

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Great Barrington Police officers made three arrests related to an ongoing narcotics investigation Wednesday, Jan. 27, 
 
Officers conducted two motor vehicle stops in the early afternoon and arrested Aaron Strampach,34 of Great Barrington, and charged him with distribution of a class A drug and trafficking a controlled substance of more than 36 grams. Joshua Brendline, 34 and Sherri Simmons, 29, both of Copake New York, were arrested and charged with Possession of a Class A substance.
 
A large amount of cash and a substance believed to be mostly fentanyl were seized.  Field analysis suggests it is trafficking weight.  All three were booked at the Great Barrington Police Department and released on their personal recognizance. They will be arraigned in Southern Berkshire District Court next week. In addition to the two traffic stops, officers executed a search warrant on a local hotel room and Strambach's vehicle.  
 
Lead Investigating Officer Christopher Peebles was assisted by Officer Andres Huertas and Officer Bradley Lupiani. Additional Officers that assisted in the arrest are Officer Tim Ullrich with K9 Titan, Officer Joe O'Brien and Officer Elias Casey. The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the District Attorney's Office also provided assistance in the investigation.
 
"I congratulate the officers in their great investigative work. We are happy to get these drugs off of our streets." Chief Storti said.
 
 
 
 
 
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Pittsfield Traffic Commission Fields Stop Sign Requests

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Commuters may soon see several new traffic signs along their routes. 
 
At its Thursday meeting, the Traffic Commission considered requests for several new stop signs, advancing one proposal and continuing discussion on two others.
 
The commission approve a four-way stop at the intersection of Merriam Street, Catherine Street, and Buchan Street, which Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi requested on behalf of residents. The traffic order will now go before the City Council. 
 
Lampiasi explained that the petition was prompted by feedback from multiple households in the neighborhood during the height of road construction on West Street.  
 
She is concerned that people will use this route as a bypass once the light at the intersection of Upper and Lower West Streets is installed. 
 
"The main concern is that there are small children. There are elderly folks who walk in the area regularly, and also driving their vehicles," she said. 
 
"They found that folks just trying to get through Merriam weren't noticing them, whether they be in their car, bicycle, or walking, just trying to get across the street." 
 
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