Two People Shot in Downtown Pittsfield

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UPDATE: Pittsfield Police say the two individuals who were shot on Friday were treated at Berkshire Medical Center and are expected to survive. It is believed that both victims were shot by the same person who fled the scene on foot.
 
Based on evidence collected to this point, police do not believe the Friday's shooting is related to Tuesday's in which a city man was killed. The suspect in that fatal incident has been arrested and charged with murder.
 
Law enforcement officials are asking for the public's cooperation in this investigation as oftentimes it is instrumental in the investigation and prosecution of these cases.
 
Anyone who wishes to provide information on either case is asked to contact the
Detective Bureau at 413-448-9705, anonymously through the tip line at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and a message to TIP411 (847411).
 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Two people were shot and wounded near North Street on Friday in an incident police are saying is "not a random act," the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said on Friday evening.
 
The victims were shot in the area of North Street and Bradford Street, according to a news release from the DA's office. Both were transported to Berkshire Medical Center, where they are being treated for their injuries.
 
The Pittsfield Police Department is investigating the shootings, the office said.
 
"Based on preliminary investigations, Pittsfield Police believe this was not a random act and that there is no immediate danger to the public," the news release reads. "However, as a suspect has not been identified, law enforcement encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police."
 
It was the second reported shooting in the city this week. On Thursday, a city man was charged with murder in Tuesday's death of another Pittsfield resident on Fenn Street.

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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