Pittsfield Police Arrest Minor Believed To Be Involved In Armed Robbery

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Oct. 12 at approximately 8:30 PM, Pittsfield Police responded to the 20 block of South John Street for the reported armed robbery of a Liberty Pizza delivery driver. 
 
Responding Officers spoke with the victim who stated that upon exiting his vehicle to make a delivery, he was approached by an armed person with a hoodie up over his head. The suspect struck the delivery driver with a handgun and then held it to his head, demanding the victim's money. 
 
The delivery driver complied. The suspect then fled on foot. 
 
The delivery driver did not suffer any serious injury during this incident.
 
A search for the suspect was initiated, based on the victim's description. A K9 unit was dispatched to the area and a track was conducted. Members of the Detective Bureau, Crime Scene and Drug Unit responded to assist with the investigation.
 
The K9 track and subsequent investigation resulted in locating, identifying, and arresting, the suspect. His identity is not being released due to his age. At the time of the suspect's arrest, additional evidence was found that connects him to the crime.
 
The Pittsfield Police Department is currently investigating a similar robbery that occurred on Oct. 9 in which another delivery driver was robbed on Backman Avenue. That case remains under investigation.
 
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Department Detective Bureau (413-448-9705), call the Tip line (413-448-9706), or send us a tip via text message by texting "PITTIP" and your message to 847411 (TIP411)
Detective Jeff Arena is the Lead Detective on the case and can be reached at 448- 9705 ext 527.
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Pittsfield Seeks CPA Funds for Bike Racks, AED

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city plans to apply for Community Preservation Act funds for park bike racks and an AED machine at the pickleball fields. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission endorsed Pittsfield’s applications for CPA funds. 

"Both of those projects are certainly, relative to CPA funds, low cost but high benefit," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Through CPA, bike racks are proposed for a few city parks, and the Berkshire Mountain Pickleball league is looking to place an automatic external defibrillator at the Benedict Avenue pickleball fields. 

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath and Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer presented the two small project applications, which will go through an eligibility period before full consideration in the spring of 2027. 

During the city’s free, six-week, summer playground program, it was observed that many kids access parks by bicycle. The plan is to buy between six and eight racks to be placed at Durant Park, the Common, and Clapp Park; other parks are being considered as well. 

McGrath explained that the three parks hosting the playground program don’t have bike racks, and they wind up on the ground and sometimes become a distraction. 

"The ancillary benefit to having bike racks is that it encourages that mode of transportation for folks that want to come to the park on their bike," he said. 

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