CitizenObserver

Robbery Media Release

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:49:56 GMT

On Tuesday Nov 22^nd at approximately 22:50 hours, Pittsfield Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Domino’s Pizza 321.5 Elm St Pittsfield.

Witnesses described the robber as a black male with a black hooded sweatshirt , wearing a mask, and brandishing a gun. The suspect left in a white SUV. Officers responding to the area located the vehicle traveling on Dorchester Avenue. The vehicle operator refused to stop when signaled, and continued at a high rate of speed through the neighborhood streets, finally stopping when blocked in on Parkside Avenue.

During the chase, the passenger was observed throwing the gun out of the window. The real-looking BB gun and the mask were recovered along the route the vehicle traveled.

Raheem Garett age 26 of Pittsfield is charged with robbery, armed with a firearm, and masked. His accomplice, the driver of the SUV Laura Methe age 21 of Washington MA is facing the same charges, in addition to motor vehicle charges including failure to stop for a police officer.

During the investigation of this event, evidence linked these two individuals to the September 1^st Domino’s robbery, October 3^rd Convenience Plus robbery, November 1^st Dunkin Donuts attempted robbery, and the Lipton Mart attempt on November 22^nd.

Anyone who was in the Elm Street area between 10:30- 11:00 PM and made any observations that may be relevant to the investigation is urged to call the Pittsfield Police Department at 448-9700.

Arrests in Robbery Series

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:17:17 GMT

Pittsfield Police responded to a reported robbery at approximately 10:50 pm on Tuesday. During the initial response, surveillance units located a vehicle fleeing the scene and made two arrests. Subsequent investigation has linked these suspects and the vehicle to several prior armed robberies. The investigation is ongoing.

Attempted Armed Robbery

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:51:25 GMT

Pittsfield Police Department is investigating an attempted robbery that occurred at the Lipton Mart Mobil Station, 188 Elm St. on Monday November 21, 2011 at approximately 05:00 AM.

The store clerk arrived at the business, entered the store and locked the front doors behind him as he prepared to open the store for daily business. Seconds after the clerk locked the front doors, a dark figure attempted to pull the locked doors open.

Video surveillance footage showed a masked subject approach the store from the area of Yarmosky Pediatric Dentistry. The masked subject then attempted to pull open the front doors of the business. In addition to the gray ski mask, the subject appeared to be wearing a gray pullover shirt and dark pants. The subject was holding a bag in his hands and appeared to brandish some type of weapon while he was at the front of the store.

Patrol officers conducted a search for the suspect with the assistance of a K9 unit. The suspect was not located, but the track led to the Holmes road area.

Anyone who was in the Elm Street area between 04:45 and 05:15 and made any observations that may be relevant to the investigation is urged to call the Pittsfield Police Detective Bureau at 448-9700 or submit the information via our Text-A-Tip program.

Video images are being processed and will be distibuted when available.

CANCEL ALERT

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:09:20 GMT

One suspect is in custody. Cancel the alert. Thanks for all the assists.

The Pittsfield Police Department is investigating a reported armed robbery that occured at the Convenience Plus at First and Tyler at 10:18 AM. The suspect is described as a black male, 5-5" to 5-7", wearing white shorts and a grey hoody. A handgun was displayed. A possible vehicle is a blue Dodge Durango with an unknown registration, operated by a white male.

Union Phone Solicitation

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:52:54 GMT

The Union for the Pittsfield Police Department Patrol Officers (IBPO 447) has commenced their telephone solicitation fundraising campaign. Citizens may receive a phone call requesting donations for the Union. Callers will state that they are soliciting for the Pittsfield Police Union. If you have concerns, call PPD at 448-9700.

3 Local Missing Persons

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 23:56:00 GMT

Subject: Three Missing Persons

Authorized By: Captain Barry

Contact: District Attorney’s office 413-443-5951

Local law enforcement authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in our search for three missing Pittsfield men.

David Glasser, Edward Frampton, and Robert Chadwell have been reported missing since Sunday August 28^th, the day that Hurricane Irene hit Berkshire County, from an apartment at 254 Linden St. in Pittsfield.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts or activities of the three men are asked to call the Pittsfield Police at 448-9700.

Photos of the three men are attached to this release.

Road Closure Update

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:58:06 GMT

Sections of Merrill Road, Dalton Avenue and Lebanon Avenue remain closed, or reduced to one lane of travel, due to flooding or damage to the roadways. Please seek alternative routes, plan extra time for travel and use caution.

Additional Road Closures

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:32:18 GMT

Merrill Road remains closed due to flooding. Dalton Avenue in Coltsville is experiencing rising water and will be closed shortly. East Street, east of Junction Bridge is also flooded and is also scheduled to be closed. Use caution and DO NOT drive through standing water.

Storm Road Closures

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:53:01 GMT

Merrill Road is closed at the RR tracks, due to flooding.

Roads Re-opened

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:54:47 GMT

Hubbard Avenue and Mountain Drive are now re-opened to traffic.

Storm Road Closures

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:38:01 GMT

West Housatonic St (Rte 20 West) is closed between Barker Road and the west entrance to Cadwell Road, due to flooding.

Mountain Drive remains closed at Yvonne, due to flooding,

Updated Storm Information

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:17:32 GMT

Sunday 10AM, Lebanon Ave is closed in the area of the Town Players and Hubbard Avenue is closed in the 300 block, due to flooding. The Health and Homeland Alert Network has issued a small stream flood warning for all of Berkshire County.

The Housatonic River is close to cresting throughout the City.

Please re-post.

Updated Storm Information

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:27:38 GMT

The City of Pittsfeld's updated storm information has been placed on the Police Department's website at www.pittsfieldpd.com.

The City's municipal shelter was opened and staffed as of 6 PM. The Shelter is staffed by the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Team.

For the most up to date information, check the Pittsfield Police Department Facebook page, Mass 211, or AM 1420.

Burbank Park Patrols

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:51:36 GMT

The Pittsfield Police Department is increasing enforcement of underage drinking and other activity at Burbank Park. Local parents are urged not to drop off their children unsupervised at Burbank Park, particularly during scheduled events. Lack of supervision in the past has led to fights, disturbances, alcohol and marijuana use on the trails south of the beach concession stand, and away from the concert venue.

We will have patrols throughout the area. There will be zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior by unsupervised juveniles. They may be trespassed from the City Park or criminally charged.

New Bank Scam Reported

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:42:03 GMT

Text Message Scam

PPD has received several phone calls from citizens concerned about a text message that they had received. The text message is from the Credit Union Center and it is an alert that their credit card was going to be de-activated. It asks that they call 413-347-3925 and enter their 16 digit credit card number. Once the number is entered they’ll speak to someone who asks for their pin to verify the account. This is a scam.

If you have suffered a financial loss due to this scam please file an on-line report or contact the Detective Bureau.

New PPD Fax #s

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:11:17 GMT

The City of Pittsfield has changed some existing fax numbers. As a result, PPD has new fax numbers for the Front Desk and the Chief's Office.

Location Old # New Fax #

DESK 413-496-9532 413-395-0124

Chief's Ofc 413-448-8394 413-395-0131

Alert Vehicle Located

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:07:42 GMT

The black Ford Mustang described in an earlier Amber Alert has been located in Gilsum, NH. The Amber Alert remains in effect at this time.

PPD Armed Robbery Investigations

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:49:15 GMT

The Pittsfield Police Department is investigating three robberies that have occurred in the last three weeks.

On Sunday, June 12^th the Convenience Plus on Linden St. was robbed at gun point. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 6’0” feet tall, with black hair and a beard. The suspect was described as wearing all black. The weapon was described as a black handgun.

On Saturday, June 18^th the Convenience Plus on Tyler St. was robbed at gun point. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. The suspect was described as wearing a gray fleece jacket, blue and gray striped pajama pants, and a bucket style hat with an argyle pattern which was black, white, and gray in color. The weapon was described as a black handgun.

On Friday, June 24^th the CVS on West St. was robbed. The suspect stated he had a gun but he did not display it. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5’10” – 6’0” feet tall, and weighing approximately 170 pounds. The suspect was described as wearing a blue nylon pullover jacket, blue jeans, white sneakers, and a pink hat.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents is asked to contact the Pittsfield Police Department Detective Bureau at 413-448-9705.

Child Passenger Seat Technicians

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:19:08 GMT

The Pittsfield Police Department has two officers certified as Child Passenger Safety Technicians. The officers attended a four day nationally recognized certification training. The certification is administered through the partnership of Safe Kids Worldwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Child Passenger Safety Board.

Research by the above organizations has found that a large percentage of child safety seats are installed improperly in automobiles. The goal of the Child Passenger Safety Technician is to inspect and assess a current child seat installation, assist caregivers with a new installation, and to educate caregivers on the best practices for keeping child passengers as safe as possible while travelling in motor vehicles.

Traffic investigator Officer Charles Bassett, is retiring this year. He has installed hundreds of seats for local families over the past ten years. Officer Coco and Sgt Trapani hope to follow in his footsteps, to promote safety for families with young children.

The Pittsfield Police Department schedules Child safety seat installation/inspection appointments mornings and evenings. To make an appointment call the PPD direct line at 448-9700 (ext 338) and record a voice message for Officer Jeffrey Coco for morning installations or 448-9700 (ext 426) Sgt Mark Trapani for evening installations.

Appointments will take between 40 to 60 minutes, and caregivers should bring their child/children with them for proper harness/seat belt adjustment. It is also recommended that caregivers bring the child safety seat manual, as well as their automobile owner’s manual to the appointment. Currently the PPD does not have a supply of child safety seats to give away.

Linden Street Robbery

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:27:38 GMT

The Pittsfield Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred at the Convenience Plus, located at 185 Linden Street.

On Sunday, June 12^th at approximately 2:59 PM, units of the Pittsfield Police Department were dispatched to the above address in response to an alarm. Upon arrival, responding units were met by store employees who reported that the store had been robbed.

According to the clerks, an unidentified male approached the counter, apparently wanting to purchase an item. While the clerk was in the process of completing the transaction, the suspect displayed a handgun and started taking all of the money out of the cash register. After removing the money, the suspect exited the store and ran west on Linden Street.

The suspect was described as a black male, possibly in his 30’s, approximately 6 feet tall, with black hair and a beard. The suspect was described as wearing all black, with white lettering on the top. The weapon was described as a black handgun.

Detective Diane Caccamo has been assigned as the lead investigator in this case. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact the Detective Bureau at 413-448-9705.

PHS Larceny

Tue, 31 May 2011 18:26:50 GMT

The Pittsfield Police Department is currently investigating a theft of several thousands of dollars from Pittsfield High School. The incident is believed to have occurred during a senior “prank night” during the overnight hours of Wednesday May 25^th and Thursday May 26^th. The stolen funds were intended to be used for senior events including the Senior Banquet, Class Trip, and Prom. There is a reward of $500 for information leading to the identity of the responsible party or parties. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Pittsfield Police Department Detective Bureau at 413-448-9705.

New PPD Connections

Fri, 20 May 2011 16:16:39 GMT

Pittsfield PD is now on Facebook and Twitter. Find us at facebook.com/PittsfieldPD and @PittsfieldPD.

New Phone Scam

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:27:12 GMT

The Pittsfield Police Department would like to advise the public of the recurrence of a common phone scam. This phone scam is being conducted by unknown individuals believed to be in the United States and Overseas. The individuals involved in this scam are calling residences and pretending to be relatives in need of money.

One of the most recent victims of this scam reported sending $3,200 to an individual, who they believed to be their grandson, in Spain. It is possible that the individuals involved in this scam are obtaining personal information about their victims’ families from social media sites. After gathering information from the internet, the individuals contact family members, who are mostly elderly, and pretend to be a relative. The relative will claim to be in trouble and in need of money. The caller instructs the victim to wire money to them.

If any residents receive phone calls of this nature please attempt to verify the identity and whereabouts of the family member before offering financial assistance. If you have suffered a financial loss due to this type of crime please contact the Pittsfield Police Department at 413-448-9700 and file a report.

PPD seeking truck

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:04:37 GMT

The Pittsfield Police Department is looking for a pick-up truck in connection with suspicious activity. The truck is described as an older model, full size pickup, blue in color w/ a wide silver stripe down the sides. The truck has a metal, pipe style contractor's rack in the bed. The operator of this truck is not wanted by police at this time. Anyone with any information about a truck matching this description is asked to contact the PPD.

House and Car Breaks

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:53:17 GMT

PPD is investigating a series of residential and car breaks that occurred in the City's northwest section early this morning. So far, breaks have been discovered on Berkley, Calumet and Lenox Ave. Please check your homes and cars and forward any information on any missing items or suspicious activity to PPD.

PPD Launches New Website

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:14:24 GMT

Check out the PPD’s new Department website. The new, interactive site allows citizens to access information about our department, as well as submit reports of minor crimes or incidents, provide anonymous tips, and download useful forms. The new site is located at www.pittsfieldpd.com.

New PPD Crimewatch Coordinator

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:56:53 GMT

Officer Michael Ortega is taking over the duties of CrimeWatch Coordinator for the PPD.

CrimeWatch members can reach Ofc Ortega at 413-448-9700 x- 398.