Police Arrest Suspect in Walmart Armed Robbery

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The suspect in an armed robbery of the local Walmart is facing multiple charges, including for stealing a pickup truck. 
 
The robbery occurred on Friday morning when Walmart employees contacted police around 7 a.m. to report a man had brandished a firearm at them and demanded money. 
 
The suspect got into a red pickup and drove toward Church Street. Officers were quickly in the area and began to pursue the vehicle. The driver stopped the truck at Hillside Cemetery, and fled run on foot. A short foot pursuit ensued, and officers were able to apprehend the suspect quickly. One officer sustained injuries during the arrest but is expected to make a full recovery.
 
?The suspect was found in possession of a duffle bag containing an AR-15 pistol, with a 30-round high-capacity magazine containing 17 rounds. The suspect took approximately $5,400 in cash from Walmart, which was recovered. The vehicle was found to be stolen out of Bennington, Vt.
 
?This case is still under investigation by the North Adams Police Department, which commended the Walmart employees for their quick actions and attention to details that helped lead to "such a smooth and successful apprehension."
 
Police have not yet identified the suspect. 
 
The charges associated with this incident include, but are not limited to: armed robbery while masked; use of a firearm in commission of a felony; armed career criminal; firearm, ammunition, loaded firearm possession without license; larceny of motor vehicle; assault and battery; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; failure to stop for police; and resisting arrest.
 

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McCann and Taconic Awarded CTI Grants

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $525,482 in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants awarded to two organizations in the Berkshires to train 80 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors in the region. 
 
In North Adams, McCann Technical School was awarded $344,871 to provide training to 60 participants for Automotive Technician, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with T&M Auto Sales Inc., Berkshire Bridge & Iron Co. Inc., Haddad GMC, Haddad Subaru, Bedard Brothers Auto Sales Inc., Lenco Armored Vehicles, TOG Manufacturing, Sinicon Plastics, Adams Plumbing & Heating Inc., and Gills Point S Tire.
 
"We are excited to be working with our MassHire team to continue to address our workforce needs and build talent pipelines and career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding and Automotive Technician," McCann Superintendent James Brosnan said. "This CTI award will provide hands-on training and support as we continue to expand our skilled talent pool for employers in the Berkshires."
 
In Pittsfield Taconic High School was awarded $180,610 to provide training to 20 participants for Metal Fabrication and Auto Technology positions. They will partner with O.W. Landergren Inc., Lenco Industries Inc., Bedard Brothers, Haddad's Auto Group, and RW's Auto Inc.
 
"Pittsfield Public Schools is incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Commonwealth Corporation for the CTI award to Taconic High School. This grant will have a significant and lasting impact on our community by providing skilled technicians to address critical shortages in Berkshire County," said Superintendent Joseph Curtis. "We are excited to partner with Lenco Industries, Haddads, Bedards, RW Auto, O.W. Landergren, Northeast Fabricators, and the MassHire Berkshire Career Center. These partnerships will serve as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that our trainees are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century workforce, while simultaneously strengthening our local economy."
 
The CTI grant program, a state-funded workforce initiative, partners with career and technical education schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. The program transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become "Career Technical Institutes" that run after dark programs in the construction/trades, manufacturing, and skilled trades career pathways. 
 
"Addressing our workforce needs and building talent pipelines and career pathways in construction, trades and manufacturing sectors is a priority for this administration," said Governor Maura Healey. "CTI offers hands-on training that will support our jobseekers, workers and employers. We're proud to expand the CTI awards to these two schools in the Berkshires to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy throughout the state."  
 
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