Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue.
Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry.
On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer.
Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.
"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday.
The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings.
"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote.
The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:
- Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
- Attempted murder
- Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
- Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
- Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
- Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry
The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:
- Attempted murder
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
- Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
- Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
- Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
- Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
- Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC
There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday.
On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.
The DA said Martizna allegedly committed the murder; however, the investigation continues into this incident and he has not been taken into custody.
Last week, the day after the DA announced the creation of a gun violence task force, another person was injured after shots were fired on Circular Avenue. A couple of nights before, three people were taken to the hospital after a shooting near the intersection of Linden Street and Francis Avenue.
Additionally, on Aug. 4, there was a report of approximately 25 rounds fired around the intersection of Onota and Walnut Street, leading to two non-life-threatening injuries.
"This diligent work is the culmination of the teams who have come together through the Pittsfield Police Department and the District Attorney’s task force," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.
"I remain committed to ensure that all parties that participate in violent crimes are held accountable, as these acts are unacceptable in our community."
Police Chief Marc Maddalena thanked the officers, investigators, and members of the task force for "extraordinary" efforts on this case, and others that are still ongoing. He also committed to using every resource available to us to identify those responsible, prevent retaliation, and take steps to keep these incidents from continuing.
Tags: firearms, murder, shooting,
