Great Barrington Police Arrest 4 on Unarmed Robbery Charges

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Four individuals from New York State were arrested after an unarmed robbery at Berkshire Bank on Thursday afternoon. 
 
Desmond Collins, 34, of Queens; Adam Lamar Morrison, 30, of Irvingdale; Christopher Wright, 32, of the Bronx; and Shamina Cruz, 45, of Manhattan are all charged with larceny more than $1,200 and unarmed robbery. Police said more charges may be pending.
 
An employee of Berkshire Bank's Stockbridge Road branch reported the robbery at about 2:39 p.m.
 
A woman was attempting a fraudulent transaction when a bank employee identified the transaction as suspicious; the woman then grabbed the money and fled the bank. She got into a black Honda Accord with purple fenders and headed north on Stockbridge Road. Officer Andres Huertas immediately distributed a be-on-the-lookout to officers and area police agencies, including State Police.
 
Within minutes, Stockbridge Police Officer Rosario Messina was able to stop the vehicle without incident on Main Street in Stockbridge. 
 
An investigation into the incident resulted in the four individuals being arrested by Great Barrington Police Officers Sam Stolzar, Elias Casey and Brandon Messina. Officers from Stockbridge Police Department and State Police assisted in the arrest. 
 
A large amount of cash was secured from the vehicles and occupants. Police said they are looking into the possibility that other banks may have also been hit. 
 
"I am proud of the quick work from all officers involved and the bank employee," said Great Barrington Police Chief Paul Storti. "Handling a call like this situation without incident shows the professionalism of the officers."
 
The four suspects are being held on bail ranging from $6,000 to $9,000 at the Great Barrington Police Department. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filled at a later date.

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Hannah Wicklund and Turning Jane Perform at Barrington Hall

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Hannah Wicklund and Turning Jane will take the stage at Barrington Hall on Saturday, bringing a night of rock 'n' roll, self-expression and empowerment as part of their independently produced tour, "Cowards, Kings & Queens of Hearts."
 
The duo is challenging traditional music industry practices by taking control of their careers, bringing live performances to smaller communities, and fostering human connection with the goal of inspiring creativity and individuality, Wicklund said.
 
Having toured since she was 16, the South Carolina native said most of her previous performances were concentrated in major markets.
 
Great Barrington was intentionally selected as a stop on the tour because it "fit perfectly" with the artists' efforts to bring their music to smaller communities, raise awareness of independent artists, and demonstrate alternatives to the traditional, corporate-driven music industry, she said.
 
The tour's name, "Cowards, Kings & Queens of Hearts," combines the titles of songs and albums from its two co-headlining acts: Wicklund's song "Cowards and Kings," from her album "War on Women, Calling All Good Men," and four-piece rock band Turning Jane's album "Queen of Hearts." 
 
The two performers bring contrasting styles to the stage, with Turning Jane delivering a more traditional rock sound and Wicklund adding a psychedelic edge. These different rock styles add variety to the show while sharing a similar passion for music and a strong sense of artistic identity, Wicklund said.
 
"I'm wishing to create [an atmosphere that] is constantly inspirational, and hoping to have people walk away feeling like they want to go home and paint or write or learn guitar, any of the self-expression tools that I know and love," Wicklund said. 
 
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