Pittsfield Police Report Busy Labor Day Week

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Police say the week before Labor Day was busy for calls, including a person burning an American flag in Park Square and the rescue of a young bear. 

On Monday, the police shared that there were a total of 34 arrests between Aug. 25 and Aug. 30.  

"PPD is attempting to create more transparency and citizen engagement through social media," the department wrote on Facebook. 

"We are beginning a 'Weekly Summary' of notable events that officers respond to during said week." 

Arrests included assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed assault to murder, disorderly conduct, breaking and entering, car theft, drug possession, open and gross lewdness, and more. 

It wasn't all bad, as the animal control unit worked with Mass Wildlife to relocate a young female bear who got lost in the central part of the city. They shared pictures of the bear in a tree and the bear unconscious in a net on the ground, with close-ups of her paws and a mask over her eyes. 

"We had to relocate this young female this week. She was in the middle of Pittsfield, in a fenced business unable to find her way out," the department wrote on Facebook. 

"Due to the risk of possibly getting injured, it was decided relocation was the best option. She was tagged and relocated to a safer area. It was estimated that she was 2-2.5 years old." 

On Aug. 27, around 4:30 p.m., police responded to a report of a person burning an American flag and causing a disturbance in Park Square. 

"It should be noted that officers were notified of the same party burning an American flag the previous day, but the search came up negative. Officers arrived on scene and located the suspect. The officer observed an open flame and asked the suspect what they were doing," police wrote. 



"The suspect retrieved a second American flag and began swinging it near the officer's face, almost striking the officer. The suspect then ran from officers, and a foot pursuit was initiated due to the assault with the flag. Upon grabbing the suspect, they began to push and punch the officer." 

Police said a bystander assisted during the situation, and the person was arrested for assault and battery of a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. 

On Aug. 30, around 8 p.m., a male party was reported exposing himself in The Common park and causing a disturbance. Police said they located the suspect and determined he was under the influence of alcohol, adding he became "aggressive and extremely argumentative with officers."

The man was arrested for open and gross lewdness and disorderly conduct and released from custody on personal recognizance, but was arrested again the next day. 

"The same suspect was arrested on 08/31/25 at 1500 hours on North St for essentially the same behavior, however, more aggressive towards other citizens," police wrote. 

"Suspect arrested for Open and Gross Lewdness and was held on $1,000 dollars bail." 

On Aug. 26, around 6:30 p.m., police were called to Cheshire Road for a report of people sleeping in a car. It was determined that the car had been stolen from a nearby community and an arrest was made for motor vehicle larceny, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and possession of a Class A drug. 

"Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle and notified dispatch. Dispatch notified officers that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Lenox," police wrote. 

"The vehicle was towed and an inventory of the contents of the vehicle was conducted. During the inventory, drugs and paraphernalia were located inside the vehicle." 


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Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to 2025 Assault, Firearm Charges

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is facing up to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple assault and firearm charges from last year. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office has reported that on Thursday, Oct. 15, Jarvis L. Chadwell Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was sentenced to 7 to 9 years in state prison following an incident on Oct. 18, 2025.

Police say that he fired a gun multiple times in a vehicle over an argument, striking the car and nearby home.  

"This incident was not just alarming because there was gun violence, but also because it occurred in such close proximity to a school. I will not waver on my stance towards gun violence in our community — gun violence must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said. 

"While I am committed to supporting those who need our help with recovery options and courts of hope, we must also protect our children and communities from the threat of violence that can claim lives in an instant. I commend the Pittsfield Police for their response and dedication to quickly solving this crime."

This occurred near Morningside Community School, which was retired at the end of the last academic year. 

Charges: 

  • armed assault with intent to murder
  • attempted assault & battery by discharging a firearm
  • witness intimidation
  • malicious destruction of property
  • resisting arrest
  • assault and battery on a police officer
  • illegal possession of a firearm
  • illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device
  • possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card 
  • possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Probation conditions include a mental health evaluation and aftercare; sign any releases required by probation; and refrain from abuse of the named victim, including threats of violence.

Pittsfield Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 65 Cherry St. just before 1 a.m. on that day in 2025. Upon arrival, police say witnesses confirmed hearing a gunshot and observing a man fleeing the area.

"While outside the 65 Cherry Street residence, officers observed a vehicle parked near the neighboring residence with a bullet hole in the windshield and an additional bullet hole in the side of 67 Cherry Street. Based on witness descriptions at the scene, law enforcement was able to quickly locate the Defendant within 30 minutes of the incident," a press release from the DA reads. 

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