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Searchers Recover Body of Missing Pittsfield Man in State Forest
LENOX, Mass. — Investigators do not suspect foul play in the death of a missing Pittsfield man whose body was discovered Wednesday afternoon in October Mountain State Forest.
The body of 33-year-old Matthew J. Gottung was found about 3 p.m. Wednesday approximately 50 yards off Switchback Trail. The location of the body was not far from where Gottung's vehicle was discovered Monday.
Those involved in the search included members of the Lee and Lenox Police and Fire departments, Berkshire Mountain Search & Rescue, state environmental police, Berkshire County sheriff's office, state police from the Lee barracks and assigned to the Berkshire district attorney's office.
Pittsfield Man Arrested For Groping Woman
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man was arrested for inappropriately grabbing a woman on Robbins Avenue, according to police.
But it isn't clear whether he is responsible for other assaults reported in recent weeks.
Edward Jennings, 30, of Pittsfield was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly grabbing a woman as he walked past her. Police say at about 1:45 p.m., officers were called to the Christian Center for the reported assault and later found Jennings walking on Linden Street.
"The victim positively identified this individual as being the one responsible for assaulting her. The suspect, Edward Jennings of Pittsfield, was arrested and charged with one count of indecent assault and battery," wrote Capt. Jeffrey Bradford in a release issued Wednesday afternoon.
Police say at this point, it isn't known whether Jennings is responsible for four other reports of groping or accosting women. In recent weeks, olice have received multiple reports of women being groped while out walking or running.
The Police Department reminds residents to "remain vigilant and to contact them if they observe any suspicious persons or activity."
Pittsfield Police Arrest Two On Firearm Charges Following Search
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police seized a number of guns from a Linden Street home Friday morning.
Police said the Berkshire County Special Response Team executed a "no-knock" search warrant at 108 Linden Street. The search was after an investigation in tandem with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Fabian Herandez, 34, of Pittsfield and Jeremy Paul, 39, of Pittsfield were arrested on firearm charges. During the search, police found a number of weapons including a sawed-off shotgun.
Pittsfield Police Offer Safety Tips After Walkers, Joggers Accosted
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An unidentified man has been accosting walkers and joggers in in the city's southeast side since last Tuesday.
None of the victims were injured in any of the reported incidents, police say, but there have been several complaints reported over the past week. It is unknown if the same man is responsible for all of the violations.
The suspect, in all instances, is described being in his 20s, of Caucasian or Hispanic decent, with dark hair, facial hair, and a thin to medium build.
Pittsfield residents are being asked to report any suspicious activity relating to persons matching the above physical description by immediately calling 911.
Additionally, the following safety tips are being published by Pittsfield Police as a reminder to all residents who are enjoying the outdoors by walking, jogging, or running:
• Plan your outing. Tell a family member or friend where you are going and the time you expect to be back.
• Know where telephones are located along the course or carry a cell phone.
• Wear an identification tag or carry a driver's license. If you don't have a place to carry your ID, write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside of your athletic shoe. Include any medical information.
• Don't wear jewelry or carry cash.
• Wear reflective material.
• Stay alert at all times. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
• Run or walk with a partner or a dog.
• Don't wear headsets. If you wear them you won't hear an approaching car or attacker. Listen to your surroundings.
• Exercise in familiar areas. Know which businesses or stores are open.
• Vary your route.
• Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Especially avoid poorly lighted areas at night.
• Run clear of parked cars or bushes.
• Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
• Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles.
• Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React based on that intuition and avoid areas you feel unsure about.
• Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for directions — if you answer, keep at least a full arm's length from the car.
• If you think you are being followed, change direction and head for open stores, theaters, or a lighted house.
• Have your door key ready before you reach your home.
• Call police immediately if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary.
Four Arrested on Gun, Drug Charges After Pittsfield Car Chase
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Four people were arrested on firearm and drug offenses following a traffic stop Monday evening.
Police say the department's anti-crime unit conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lincoln Street at about 7 p.m. As the officers approached the vehicle, it took off at a high rate of speed. Police pursued the vehicle and saw a firearm thrown out of the window.
Eventually, the driver pulled the vehicle over near the intersection of Fourth Street and Curtis Street.
Javan Rodriguez, 20, of Pittsfield was the driver of the vehicle. The passengers were Carey Pilot, 44, of Pittsfield, Samuel Thomason, 21, of Lenox, and Thomas Tobin, 43, of Pittsfield. There was also a juvenile, identified as Pilot's daughter, in the vehicle.
The four adults were all arrested and charged with numerous crimes.
