PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is being charged in a Monday morning robbery at Berkshire Bank.
James Scales IV, 38, allegedly passed a note to a teller, brandished a knife, and fled the bank with some cash.
"The suspect reportedly passed a note to a teller, brandished a knife, and fled the bank with an amount of cash," according to Pittsfield Police. "The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of 38-year-old Pittsfield resident James Scales IV who is charged with armed robbery while masked."
Police say there may be additional charges when Scales is arraigned in Berkshire District Court on Tuesday, July 22.
No further information was provided on how Scales was taken into custody. The statement from police stated the patrol division, detective bureau, and crime scene services were involved in the investigation.
It also said the department "would like to commend the bank employees and civilian witnesses who remained calm during the incident. The employees and witnesses were able to provide important information that became pertinent to the investigation."
Police responded at about 9 a.m. to the report of the armed robbery 66 West St. branch. The department made a public post on the incident about an hour later on Facebook stating the suspect was in custody and there was no danger to the public.
"Because of the quick response from patrol, we have a suspect in custody, and there is no immediate threat to the public," the Facebook post reads. "We hope to have a press release later this afternoon."
By noon, a sign was placed outside the branch notifying the public that it was closed and the lights had been turned off.
"This location is closed Mon 7/21, please refer to Elm St or Allendale [bank branches]," it reads. "We apologize about the inconvenience. We open at 9 a.m. tomorrow."
Alison Skratt, head of the bank's corporate communications, confirmed no bank employees or clients were injured.
"Appropriate law enforcement and banking authorities were promptly notified and a suspect is in custody. We are working closely with law enforcement to support their investigation, which is ongoing," she wrote in an email response. "The safety of our employees, clients, and community is our top priority. The financial center will be closed for the remainder of the day as we assess the situation and support our team. We plan to reopen tomorrow."
Skratt noted that financial center deposits are protected by Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insurance.
When iBerkshires arrived around noon, there was no crime scene tape and the branch had been cleared. A photo taken by the police around the time of the incident shows the outside staircase that leads to McKay Street taped off.
This is not the first time police have responded to the bank for this kind of activity. In 2022, officers were dispatched to the same branch for a holdup alarm after an attempted robbery, when someone had passed a handwritten note demanding money, then fled the scene. No cash was taken, no injuries were reported, and no weapon was displayed; the culprit was quickly arrested and sentenced to prison last year.
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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.
On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.
"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.
"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."
This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.
The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.
Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."
Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.
The community was invited to come to the village for free and take part in a wide range of activities including tours, live music from Ida Mae Specker Trio and Tanglewood, demonstrations, and more. click for more
