Cruisers are currently staged in the Rusty Anchor parking lot.Authorities are asking people to avoid the boat ramp so as not to interfere with searchers.
The district attorney's office confirmed at 7 p.m. that the body recovered from Pontoosuc Lake on Thursday was that of a missing New York man.
The individual's name is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.
Pittsfield firefighters recovered the body after three days of intensive searching by local and state authorities.
Pittsfield Police are still investigating what is being described as an "apparent drowning." The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office and Colonie (N.Y.) Police are assisting in the investigation.
Authorities have not found any evidence to suggest anyone else was involved or evidence of foul play.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department is coordinating a search operation for a missing New York man on and around the southern portion of Pontoosuc Lake.
The man's identity and where in New York he was from has not been released.
A State Police truck and boat trailer was parked at the boat ramp. Several officers were in a yellow boat with equipment slowly moving through the south part of the lake on Wednesday. Several other boats were also being used.
The search commenced Tuesday morning with assistance from the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, Environmental Police, and State Police. After searching the water for seven hours, it was determined that additional resources and equipment would be required to continue. The search resumed on Wednesday.
The police first received a report of a suspicious vehicle in Blue Anchor Park off Pontoosuc at about 2:23 p.m. on Monday.
Initial responding officers determined that the vehicle may have been abandoned, as it was revealed that the registered owner of the vehicle was reported missing out of New York State on May 5. Further investigation lead police to believe he had not left the area and searchers turned to the lake.
Police said the search of Pontoosuc Lake will be active until a recovery is made, those involved have reached their daily limitation, or the suspected missing party is located by other means.
The PPD asks that the public avoid the area of Blue Anchor Park and the Pontoosuc Lake boat ramp in order to allow public safety partners to maneuver freely.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department is coordinating a search operation for a missing New York man on and around the southern portion of Pontoosuc Lake.
The man's identity and where in New York he was from has not been released.
A State Police truck and boat trailer was parked at the boat ramp. Several officers were in a yellow boat with equipment slowly moving through the south part of the lake on Wednesday. Several other boats were also being used.
The search commenced Tuesday morning with assistance from the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, Environmental Police, and State Police. After searching the water for seven hours, it was determined that additional resources and equipment would be required to continue. The search resumed on Wednesday.
The police first received a report of a suspicious vehicle in Blue Anchor Park off Pontoosuc at about 2:23 p.m. on Monday.
Initial responding officers determined that the vehicle may have been abandoned, as it was revealed that the registered owner of the vehicle was reported missing out of New York State on May 5. Further investigation lead police to believe he had not left the area and searchers turned to the lake.
Police said the search of Pontoosuc Lake will be active until a recovery is made, those involved have reached their daily limitation, or the suspected missing party is located by other means.
The PPD asks that the public avoid the area of Blue Anchor Park and the Pontoosuc Lake boat ramp in order to allow public safety partners to maneuver freely.
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Rutledge Defense Seeks Dismissal of Rape Charges Over Statute of Limitations
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Superior Court courtroom was filled on Thursday as proceedings resumed on the high-profile case against former Miss Hall's School teacher Matthew Rutledge, with the court hearing arguments on his motion to dismiss.
On Thursday, Rutledge, represented by attorney Ryan Schiff, appeared before Judge Michael Callahan to seek dismissal of all three counts, arguing that prosecutors were attempting to circumvent the statute of limitations and had failed to disclose what Schiff characterized as "highly exculpatory evidence."
More than 100 attendees filled the pews, some wearing orange carnations to show solidarity with the accusers, Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon.
As Rutledge attempted to leave the courtroom following Judge Callahan's departure, several attendees voiced their outrage, shouting "Shame," "You can't hide behind the bad law," and "We know what you did."
Judge Callahan re-entered the courtroom to condemn these outbursts and directed court officers to record their names and bar them from attending future proceedings on this case.
The nearly hour-long hearing centered on competing interpretations of the language and legislative intent behind Massachusetts' statute of limitations, particularly whether Rutledge's temporary absences from the state could extend the time prosecutors have to bring charges.
On Thursday, Rutledge, represented by attorney Ryan Schiff, appeared before Judge Michael Callahan to seek dismissal of all three counts, click for more
A founder of the Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic, he has established a nonprofit foundation to sponsor youngsters who want to hit the ice. He was inspired by the nonprofit Ice Hockey in Harlem program.
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