Great Barrington Police Arrest 4 on Unarmed Robbery Charges

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Four individuals from New York State were arrested after an unarmed robbery at Berkshire Bank on Thursday afternoon. 
 
Desmond Collins, 34, of Queens; Adam Lamar Morrison, 30, of Irvingdale; Christopher Wright, 32, of the Bronx; and Shamina Cruz, 45, of Manhattan are all charged with larceny more than $1,200 and unarmed robbery. Police said more charges may be pending.
 
An employee of Berkshire Bank's Stockbridge Road branch reported the robbery at about 2:39 p.m.
 
A woman was attempting a fraudulent transaction when a bank employee identified the transaction as suspicious; the woman then grabbed the money and fled the bank. She got into a black Honda Accord with purple fenders and headed north on Stockbridge Road. Officer Andres Huertas immediately distributed a be-on-the-lookout to officers and area police agencies, including State Police.
 
Within minutes, Stockbridge Police Officer Rosario Messina was able to stop the vehicle without incident on Main Street in Stockbridge. 
 
An investigation into the incident resulted in the four individuals being arrested by Great Barrington Police Officers Sam Stolzar, Elias Casey and Brandon Messina. Officers from Stockbridge Police Department and State Police assisted in the arrest. 
 
A large amount of cash was secured from the vehicles and occupants. Police said they are looking into the possibility that other banks may have also been hit. 
 
"I am proud of the quick work from all officers involved and the bank employee," said Great Barrington Police Chief Paul Storti. "Handling a call like this situation without incident shows the professionalism of the officers."
 
The four suspects are being held on bail ranging from $6,000 to $9,000 at the Great Barrington Police Department. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filled at a later date.

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Berkshire HorseWorks Secures Grants to Support Literacy, Mental Health Programs

RICHMOND, Mass. — Berkshire HorseWorks has received funding from the Berkshire Taconic Foundation to support its Eagala Model experiential programs, Ranch Life 101 and Horse Powered Reading.
 
Grants from the Central Berkshire Fund, Greylock ABC Fund, and William J. & Margery S. Barrett Fund will provide access to underserved children across Berkshire County.
 
The Central Berkshire Fund granted $5,000 to fund scholarships for seven children from various towns, while the William J. & Margery S. Barrett Fund contributed $9,000 to support 15 children from Adams, Cheshire, and Savoy. These funds will cover enrollment in the Ranch Life 101 summer program, which focuses on emotional intelligence, regulation, and interpersonal skills.
 
The Greylock ABC Fund's $7,500 grant will support 25 students from Reid Middle School in the Horse Powered Reading Program, helping students improve reading skills and self-confidence. The program targets children who face social-emotional challenges that impact their education.
 
Berkshire HorseWorks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers therapeutic programs for children and families using equine-assisted learning. With over 3,000 participants to date, the organization continues to expand its impact in the Berkshires and beyond.
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