Man Charged With Intent To Murder, Held on $15K Bail

By Susan Bush
12:00AM / Monday, April 24, 2006

Williamstown police Officer Michael Ziemba and police tracking dog "Blue" were part of a successful April 22 search for 30-year-old Thomas Moore, who escaped from police custody while leaving the North Adams Regional Hospital.

North Adams- A 30-year-old man charged by Adams police on April 21 with assault with intent to murder and who escaped from police custody while at the North Adams Regional Hospital on April 22 was ordered held at the Berkshire County House of Correction on $15,000 cash bail or $150,000 surety by Judge Michael J. Ripps.

Thomas Moore, whose address is listed in court documents as 135 Dewey Ave., Pittsfield, was arraigned at the Northern Berkshire District Court on April 24 on one count of assault and battery, one count of assault with intent to murder, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon [a knife], one count of disturbing the peace and one count of disorderly conduct following a Friday 35 Commercial St., Adams, fracas.

Adams police were initially called to the scene at 8:25 p.m. by David E. Bushey, 50, who reported that there had been an assault at the address and that the alleged assailant fled in a red vehicle, according to police and court documents.

When police arrived at the scene, they found a red Pontiac Grand Am parked on the east side of Commercial Street and Moore lying on the ground. Moore claimed that he was injured, in pain and said he believed that his ribs were broken, according to court documents.

Police investigated the incident and were told that Moore allegedly used a knife to stab David E. Bushey Jr., 25. The alleged stabbing caused injury to Bushey's hand, according to court documents. Moore also allegedly bit Bushey on the hand during the altercation, according to court documents.

Moore allegedly told numerous individuals at the scene that he has been diagnosed with a serious life-threatening health condition that is communicable, according to court documents.

The alleged altercation was the result of a family dispute, according to court documents, and according to police documents, Moore, David E. Bushey, David E. Bushey Jr., Janice Bushey, and Christine Bushey of 72 North Holden St., North Adams, contacted police within minutes of each other about the incident. Christine Bushey is described in court documents as Moore's girlfriend.

While at the scene, Moore continued to complain of pain and was taken to the NARH by Adams Ambulance Service personnel. He was accompanied by police officers, and was subsequently released from the hospital, returned to police custody, and brought to the town police station. At that time, bail was set at $5,000 cash.

During the April 22 morning, Moore complained about pain in his foot and asked for medical assistance, according to police documents.

Police called for the Adams Ambulance Service and Moore was brought to the NARH at 8:08 a.m., according to police documents.

Moore was examined at the hospital and was released to police at about 9:30 a.m..

As Moore was escorted to a waiting vehicle, an Adams police officer experienced a misstep and Moore, who was handcuffed, fled on foot, according to police and court documents.

Adams, North Adams, and Williamstown police were called to assist in a search for Moore.

Williamstown police Officer Michael Ziemba and Blue, a police tracking dog, were called to the scene and the dog tracked Moore to 72 North Holden Street.

Moore allegedly tried to create obstacles as he ran from police, and in one instance, he allegedly tossed a gas grill into the path of pursuing officers. Ziemba said that Blue picked up Moore's scent from the grill and tracked him to the North Holden Street address. Police found Moore in an area very close to the building and he was captured at about 10:20 a.m. without further incident. He was returned to the town police station and remained there until his April 24 arraignment.

Town police Chief Donald Poirot declined further comment about the escape incident.

Moore's case was continued to May 22.