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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Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Holds Awards Banquet

Community submission
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Friday honored outstanding contributors to the Berkshire County sports scene at its third annual Awards Dinner at the Polish Falcon Club.
 
The foundation supports youth sports throughout the county each year.
 
In 2025-26, those donations totaled more than $30,000 to groups ranging from youth football and cheerleading programs, Pittsfield Little League, Northern Berkshire Softball and the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club Recreation Therapy Program, to name a few.
 
Funds raised by the foundation also go to support its annual Vera Barborotta Memorial Sportsman Scholarship, which this year went to Lee High School graduate Joey Abderhalden and Taconic grad Madeline Harrington.
 
Two other recently graduated high school standout athletes were recognized as winners of the Al Bianchi Memorial Athletes of the Year: Madison McCarthy and Cooper Calvert, both of Wahconah Regional High School.
 
Pittsfield High School girls basketball coach Kristy Conyers and Hoosac Valley boys basketball coach Matt Larabee received the foundation's Coach of the Year Awards.
 
John Castonguay received the Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Living Legend Award. A.J. Ziter took home the Connie Bianchi Memorial Award of Merit. And Mark Moulton rounded out the honorees with the foundation's Volunteer of the Year Award.
 
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