Pittsfield Man Charged in Harvard Street Stabbing

Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Pittsfield man has been charged with stabbing two people on Harvard Street last week.

Jacob Frusciente, 32, of Daniels Avenue was arraigned Thursday in Central Berkshire District Court on single counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury.   
 
Frusciente was ordered to be held on $50,000 cash bail pending a mental health evaluation.
 
According to police, officers responded to the report of a stabbing at a Harvard Street home about midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Two people were found to have non-life-threatening stab wounds.
 
"The two adult victims, a male and female who are both Pittsfield residents, were treated at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) for their injuries," according to police.
 
"The male victim received more substantial injuries but both are expected to survive."
 
Police said Frusciente is believed to be acquainted with the victims.
 
To provide information on this case, contact the Detective Bureau at 413-448-9705, or anonymously at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).
 

 


Tags: stabbing,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories