Pittsfield Police Cruiser Hits, Flips Jeep

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Jeep Wrangler flipped over in the Coltsville intersection on Sunday after being struck by a police cruiser. The Jeep's occupants and an officer were taken to Berkshire Medical Center with minor injuries.  
 
Officer Matthew Ahern was trying to maneuver through the intersection on his way to a reported disturbance on Cheshire Road when the accident occurred, according to Lt. Marc Maddalena. 
 
Ahern was using lights and intermittent sirens as he drove north from Merrill Road into the intersection, Maddalena wrote in a press release. 
 
The 2023 Jeep, driven by Kimberly Gaylord, 57, of Peru, was spun around and flipped on its side. Gaylord and her two grandchildren who were in the vehicle were take to BMC for minor injuries and released. 
 
Ahern was also taken to BMC and later released. Officer Edward Pezze, a passenger in the cruiser, did not go to the hospital.
 
Part of the intersection was closed for about an hour for the vehicles to be removed and the roadway cleared of debris. 
 
Maddalena is in charge of the investigation. Any witnesses are asked to contact him at the Traffic Unit at 413-448-9700, Ext. 575.

Tags: motor vehicle accident,   

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Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.

Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.

"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.

"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."

Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.

Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.

"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location.  It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.

Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.

"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.

"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."

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