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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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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