Latest news with #PittsfieldPolice
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Pittsfield PD's 'Operation Copsicle' inspires San Antonio Police ice cream truck, uniting community through popsicles and prayer
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – What started as a sweet summertime tradition in Pittsfield to connect police officers with the community has now inspired a similar initiative nearly 2,000 miles away in San Antonio, Texas. Operation Copsicle delivers smiles, free treats in Pittsfield San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) recently launched its ice cream truck initiative, Police, Popsicles, and Prayer, aimed at fostering trust, dialogue, and inclusion in neighborhoods across the city. The effort takes its cues from Operation Copsicle, a Pittsfield Police Department program that has gained national recognition for using frozen treats to engage with local youth and families. The connection between the two departments came about last year when SAPD Community Officer Greene met Pittsfield Officer Derby at a Community Policing Conference. There, Officer Greene learned about Operation Copsicle and brought the concept back to Texas. Working in partnership with Unite SA Network, a local faith-based organization, SAPD officially rolled out its ice cream truck program earlier this year. A photo shared by Pittsfield Police shows SAPD officers standing with residents–including Pittsfield locals Kayla and Catie, who coincidentally encountered the truck while visiting San Antonio a few months ago. 'This is now the fifth police department in the U.S. and Canada to implement their version of a police ice cream truck after connecting with us,' Pittsfield Police said in a social media post. From Massachusetts to Texas, the mission remains the same: building community trust, one popsicle at a time. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cyclist struck by car on Cheshire Road in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A cyclist sustained potentially life-threatening head injuries after being struck by a motor vehicle in Pittsfield on Friday. Motor vehicle crash on Westfield Street in West Springfield to cause traffic delays Pittsfield Police Sergeant David Hallas said that at approximately 8:39 p.m. on Friday, officers, firefighters, and emergency response crews responded to Cheshire Road in front of Berkshire Gas Company regarding a motor vehicle accident involving a cyclist. Investigators determined that an 18-year-old individual driving a 2008 Subaru Impreza was traveling northbound and struck a cyclist, also traveling northbound, from behind. The cyclist, a 33-year-old man, was admitted to Berkshire Medical Center to be treated for severe head injuries. Pittsfield Police said that Cheshire Road was closed for approximately four hours following the incident, and that the roadway opened back up at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Saturday. The Pittsfield Police Traffic Unit is currently investigating the incident. Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Sergeant Hallas at 448-9700 ext. 560. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Pittsfield man arrested following domestic violence altercation, stolen firearm recovered
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Pittsfield man was arrested Wednesday night following a domestic violence incident in which a firearm was displayed and later discovered to be stolen. According to the Pittsfield Police Department, at approximately 9 p.m. Wednesday, officers were called for service involving a domestic altercation. Upon arriving at the scene, they identified the suspect as Terrell Ortiz, 45, of Pittsfield. During the initial investigation, officers learned that Ortiz had allegedly displayed a firearm during the altercation before fleeing the area on foot. Believing Ortiz may still be armed, Pittsfield Police launched an extensive area search involving several specialized units, including the department's Patrol Division, Drug Unit, Anti-Crime Unit, and K9 Unit. Ortiz was eventually located on Francis Avenue, where officers conducted a pat frisk that yielded no weapon. However, the officer who spotted Ortiz prior to contact reported seeing him enter a nearby driveway. A search of that area was conducted with the assistance of a police K9, resulting in the discovery of a loaded handgun. A check of the firearm's serial number revealed that it had been reported stolen from Clarksburg, Massachusetts, in 2017. Ortiz was arrested without further incident and is facing several charges, including: Assault and Battery on a Family/Household Member Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card Receiving Stolen Property He was arraigned in Pittsfield District Court on Thursday morning and is being held on $5,000 bail. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Bronx man found guilty in 2018 Pittsfield murder
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A jury has found Lance Burke, 45, of Bronx, New York, guilty of first-degree murder and illegal firearm possession in connection with the 2018 killing of David Green Jr. in Pittsfield. The verdict was delivered Thursday in Berkshire Superior Court, following a trial that included witness testimony, surveillance evidence, and an extensive cross-state investigation. Burke was convicted of fatally shooting Green while he was sitting in his vehicle on Willow Street. Authorities identified Burke as the suspect using video surveillance, cell phone tracking, and witness statements. Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue praised the verdict but acknowledged the lasting impact of the crime. 'Mr. Green's family has been waiting a long time for this day,' said Shugrue. 'While we are pleased with the jury's conclusion, nothing can heal the wounds of losing a loved one in such a violent way. I hope today brings his family some sense of peace.' Shugrue emphasized his office's commitment to holding perpetrators of violence accountable. 'The death of Mr. Green was caused by a defendant who drove into Pittsfield and committed murder. Those who bring illegal firearms, attempt to establish drug trafficking networks, and bring violence to our neighborhoods will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.' The case relied heavily on technology and forensic evidence. Pittsfield Police, with assistance from New York State Police, used surveillance footage, digital tracking, and other investigative tools to link Burke to the crime. 'Trying this case was extremely difficult,' Shugrue noted. 'The Pittsfield Police Department worked diligently, using all available technology to build a strong case against the defendant. Because of their efforts and the work of our prosecution team, justice was served.' The trial was also marked by incidents of witness intimidation. 'The witnesses who testified showed tremendous bravery,' Shugrue said. 'During this trial, witnesses were directly threatened, and their families were also targeted. Law enforcement is actively investigating these acts of intimidation, and we will not tolerate interference with the judicial system.' Burke's sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. This was Burke's second trial for the murder. His original trial in 2024 ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police seek help location missing Pittsfield woman
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Pittsfield Police are looking for the public's help in locating a missing woman. Police say 29-year-old Danier Fitzpatrick could be anywhere in the state of Massachusetts or New York. She is described as 5'3″ tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Chicopee Police recover missing person's vehicle from Connecticut River If you have seen Danier or know of her whereabouts, you are asked to contact Pittsfield Police Detective Diane Bassett at 413-448-9700 extension 529. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
