Man Remains In Critical Condition Following Pittsfield Shooting; Police To Boost Patrols

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police say there will be increased patrols in the westside neighborhood where a 25-year-old man was killed and four others injured.

 

The shooting on the Fourth of July killed Ronald Pinel. District Attorney David Capeless' office said on Monday that Massachusetts Associate Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Sexton determined that Pinel died because of a gunshot wound to the chest. The autopsy was performed Saturday night. 

 

A 20-year-old man was transported to Baystate Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition, and a 25-year-old man was hospitalized but then released from Berkshire Medical Center. A 20-year-old woman remains at Berkshire Medical Center in stable condition and a 26-year-old man was treated and released from Berkshire Medical Center.

 

Mayor Daniel Bianchi also released a statement on Monday saying he met with the Police Department Captain David Granger, the Berkshire County Sheriff Thomas Bowler, City Council President Melissa Mazzeo and Shannon Grant Coordinator Adam Hinds in the wake of the shooting. 

 

Granger said "there will be increased staffing and patrols in the neighborhood" in the release and the mayor encouraged residents to become active in neighborhood watch programs.

 

"The event that occurred over the weekend is understandably concerning to the public. On Sunday I spent time with the Sheriff and Pittsfield Police reviewing what happened. I am confident in the work the Pittsfield Police and other law enforcement agencies do to keep the public safe," Bianchi said in the release. 

 

City officials refused the provide any additional details about the incident that occurred just blocks from North Street, at the intersection of Dewey and Linden. The mayor's office said the incident is "under investigation at this moment in time."

 

Bianchi offered assistance to residents who want to become active in neighborhood watch programs, encouraging them to be the "eyes and ears for the police force."

 

"The neighborhood watch program is an excellent resource for citizens to utilize. I will continue to strongly support the program.  The purpose of a neighborhood watch program is to encourage and train neighbors to be the 'eyes and ears' for the police force," Bianchi said.  

 

"At no time should citizens act as the police.  Those interested in establishing a new neighborhood watch program can contact the mayor's office and we will provide the appropriate tools. There is no cost for the training to create a neighborhood watch and there are numerous benefits from establishing one."

 

He added that if residents "see something, say something to law enforcement." People can report information about on-going investigations or report suspicious behavior anonymously by calling the police at 413-448-9700. 

 

Bowler added, "there is a strong collaboration between public safety agencies here in Berkshire County" working to keep the public safe.

 

Bianchi, who is up for re-election, emphasized that during his time in office he has boosted public safety initiatives.

 

"During my time in office I have supported numerous public safety initiatives. I have added resources to our Police force including a crime analyst in 2013 and additional police officer positions in 2014 and 2015. I have also established regular Public Safety Task Force meetings which include the Pittsfield Police Chief, the Pittsfield Housing Authority, the District Attorney and the Berkshire County Sheriff's Department. I have worked to expand the Neighborhood Crime Watch program, secured funding for the Shannon Grant, an anti-gang violence grant focused on youth, and established a Downtown Ambassador program in partnership with Berkshire Community College and Downtown Inc. In addition, every educational and economic development initiative has the potential to positively affect public safety by providing opportunities for our young citizens."

Police were on Robbins Avenue Sunday afternoon investigating the shooting.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — One man is dead after a shooting Saturday night at the intersection of Dewey Avenue and Linden Street.

District Attorney David Capeless's office says Ronald Pinel, 25, of Pittsfield was pronounced dead at Berkshire Medical Center and four others were injured during the shooting.

Police responded to shots being fired in the area shortly after 11 p.m. and found three people in need of medical assistance. All three were transported to Berkshire Medical Center.

 

Pinel was pronounced dead and two others were hospitalized - a 20-year-old man was transported to Baystate Medical Center and a 25-year-old remains at BMC.

 

Two other individuals, a 20-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man were also treated at Berkshire Medical Center for injuries allegedly occurred as part of the shooting. 

 

As of 11:45 on Sunday, Police had blocked off Robbins Avenue for the investigation. Police are asking for anyone with information to call them at 413-448-9700.

 

The investigation is being conducted by Pittsfield Police, State Police detectives assigned to Capeless's office, and the State Police Crime Scene Services.