Pittsfield Police Arrest Man Allegedly Involved in Fatal Stabbing

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Update: Josiah Helmer, age 27, was arraigned for murder on Friday in Central Berkshire District Court and held without the right of bail. He is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on Oct. 10. 
 
PITTSFILED, Mass. — A 27-year-old city man has been arrested in Tuesday's fatal stabbing. 
 
Multiple law enforcement officers arrested Josiah Helmer on Thursday at a residence on Dalton Avenue on an outstanding warrant charging him with murder. 
 
The charge stemmed from the stabbing that occurred on Melville Street on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 12. Police responded at about 10:45 p.m. to the report of a stabbing on Melville Street, near the intersection with First Street. A 42-year-old man, whose identity was not disclosed, was found at the scene. Officers, firefighters and Action Ambulance Personnel provided the victim with emergency medical care and he was transported to Berkshire Medical Center, where he later died. 
 
Helmer was booked and is expected to be arraigned in Pittsfield District Court later Friday.
 
The collaborative investigation after the homicide led to the suspect's apprehension less than 48 hours after his violent crime. The investigation and arrest were effectuated by the following agencies and departments: 
  • PPD Detective Bureau
  • PPD Drug Unit
  • PPD Anti-Crime Unit
  • PPD Patrol Division
  • Berkshire County Special Response Team
  • Berkshire County Sheriff's Department 
  • Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit Assigned to the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office
Anyone who wishes to provide information on this case is asked to contact Detective Neil Goodrich at 413-448-9700 x554. Information can also be provided anonymously via the Detective Bureau Tip Line at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and your message to
TIP411 (847411).

Tags: homicide,   murder,   stabbing,   

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Pittsfield Police Make Arrest in Weekend Stabbing

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police have arrested a suspect in a stabbing that occurred near Pearl and Eagle streets over the weekend.
 
David Smith, 65, of Pittsfield has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault & battery with intent to commit murder.
 
The incident occurred on Saturday, Sept. 19, at about 1:26 p.m. Upon arrival, officers located a woman suffering from a severe abdominal injury. First aid was immediately rendered on scene, and the victim was transported to Berkshire Medical Center by County Ambulance.
 
The investigation included witness interviews, evidence collection, and the review of neighborhood surveillance footage, which police said identified the suspect as Smith. He was subsequently located in the area of North Street and placed him into custody without incident. 
 
The Pittsfield Police Department said it thanks "vigilant community members" who spoke with responding officers, as well as the staff at Pittsfield Public Schools and the YMCA for their assistance in resolving the incident quickly and safely.
 
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