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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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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