State Police Search for Stabbing Suspect

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Updated 4 p.m.:
ADAMS, Mass. — State Police are searching for a suspect in a stabbing that occurred early Wednesday morning on North Summer Street. 
 
The victim, an adult female who was previously in a relationship with the suspect, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries but is expected to survive. 
 
The suspect, an adult male, fled the scene prior to police arrival and it is believed he initially returned to his residence at 498 Chapel Road in Savoy.
 
Authorities are searching the property for him. 
 
Adams Police had responded to the assault at 54 North Summer St., a duplex at the corner of Staple Street, and requested assistance from the State Police at the Cheshire barracks at 5 a.m. 
 
Subsequent investigation by police determined that the stabbing was a domestic incident that occurred at the victim's home. 
 
Various State Police units — including the Special Tactical Operations (STOP) Team, Crisis Negotiation Unit, Troop B patrols, and State Police Detective Unit for Berkshire County — responded to the suspect's Savoy address, established a perimeter, and attempted to establish communications with him.
 
Earlier in the afternoon, STOP Team operators made entry into the house and determined the suspect was not present. A search of the surrounding property is ongoing. 
 
The stabbing was not a random act but Savoy area residents were being advised to exhibit caution around anyone they see who appears suspicious or out of place. Citizens are asked to not approach or confront any suspicious or unknown male they encounter, but rather, remain at a safe distance and call 911 immediately.
 
iBerkshires has reached out to the DA's office for information.

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North Adams Jewelry Store Has New Owner

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Cheryl Coppens put out a call for someone to take over the jewelry business she began last spring  — jewelry maker Alexandra Padilla answered the call.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Artful Jeweler has a new owner who is looking to expand its offerings.

Cheryl Coppens opened the jewelry store in May, showcasing local artists, offering fine jewelry, and jewelry repair.

But a new grandson in Texas, and the difficulties in flying back and forth to see him, had her looking to move closer to him.

Last month, she posted on the business's Facebook that she wanted someone to take over the space and continue the venture. Alexandra Padilla reached out to her and Coppens said she met all her criteria she was looking for in anew owner.

"You have to really want to be in retail. You have to want to be in this community, priced where people can afford it. Alex is native to North Adams. Her husband, she's got two great kids, so it just felt like they would be able to continue the store," Coppens said. "So the criteria really was somebody that would work the store, not somebody that would just come in and hire employees. I didn't want that."

Padilla started taking over the store in the beginning of December. She has been selling jewelry for about three years, and has an online shop, and has worked in wholesale jewelry for about 15 years.

"I always wanted to have my own thing on it, and I wanted to bring something new, and I want to involve my family, my kids do something, and I want to be independent," she said.

Now Padilla showcases her jewelry in the Ashland Street store and plans to keep some of the local artists' items, like stained glass made by Coppens' mother.

Padilla customizes jewelry and tailors pieces to her customers.

She plans to work around her job at Berkshire County Head Start so she can open store for more hours. 

She also plans to redesign the store a little bit and bring in a couple more lines, like more rings and pearls. 

The store is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays 9 to 2, Fridays 9 to 6, and Sundays 9 to 3. The store has also been open on Mondays 10  to 5 and Tuesdays 10  to 3 for the holidays. 

Padilla thanks Coppens for trusting her and hopes customers continue to support the Artful Jeweler.

"Thank you for trusting me. I'm going to try and do my best and work hard to make it happen," she said. "This is our first time selling retail, so we hope the community supports us in here."

Coppens will be helping Padilla until she is comfortable operating the store on her own. She said it will continue to be a space of community support.

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