LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — A Pittsfield man has been charged with carjacking following an incident Thursday in the Target parking lot at the Berkshire Mall.
Police say Earl N. Kirchner, 64, was arrested at the scene and also faces charges of assault and battery and assault and battery on a police officer.
The carjacking is a felony and the assaults are misdemeanors. Kirchner was being held at the Berkshire County House of Corrections pending his arraignment.
According to police, the carjacking attempt was called in at about 1:30 p.m. The victim told authorities that the suspect had punched and kicked him in attempting to steal his motor vehicle. The victim was able to prevent the suspect from driving away before police arrived.
Officers said Kirchner kicked them while they were trying to take him into custody. However, no injuries were reported.
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Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Friday, Jan. 17, Laquan M. Johnson, 29, of Pittsfield, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and seven charges connected to the April 4 killing of Stephan Curley.
The Honorable Judge Agostini of Berkshire Superior Court sentenced Johnson to 12 to 15 years in state prison. The sentence exceeds sentencing guidelines, which recommend 9 to 13.5 years. The plea took place prior to the result of a jury verdict from a trial that began on Jan. 8.
The Commonwealth requested a state prison sentence of 15 to 20 years, while the defense requested a sentence of 10 years to 10 years and one day.
"My thoughts are with Mr. Curley's family during this difficult time," District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue said. "While Laquan Johnson's lengthy sentence will never bring Mr. Curley back, I hope it offers some measure of comfort to his loved ones. Gun violence affects not only the perpetrators and victims but the entire community. Today's plea represents a step toward healing, offering Ms. Satrape, Mr. Curley's family, and the community an opportunity to look forward toward a new day."
Johnson also pleaded guilty to additional charges, with sentences running concurrently:
5 to 7 years for armed assault with intent to murder.
2 to 3 years each for two counts of assault and battery by discharging a firearm.
2 years in the House of Corrections for possession of a firearm without an FID card.
2 years in the House of Corrections for possession of ammunition without an FID card.
2 to 4 years in state prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
2 to 4 years in state prison for possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance.
On April 4, 2022, Johnson shot and killed 26-year-old Stephan Curley of Springfield and injured 28-year-old Dominique Satrape of Pittsfield.
At approximately 4:22 p.m., Pittsfield Police responded to ShotSpotter activation detecting five gunshot rounds near 71 King Street. At about 4:27 p.m., police were also dispatched to Berkshire Medical Center following a report of a person with a gunshot wound, later identified as Curley.
Police investigating the scene at 71 King Street observed Meilani Eurquhart, Johnson's sister, outside leaning over a garbage can. When questioned, she admitted to hearing gunshots but dropped several spent shell casings when asked to raise her hands. Officers also found additional spent shell casings on the porch.
The four candidates on the ballot, Robert Collins, Rich Haley, Levi Renderer and Patrick Carsell appeared at a forum Wednesday night to highlight their perspectives on issues including transparency and collaboration, the condition of the police station, and roads and sidewalks.
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Pittsfield now throws away about 1,024 tons of trash per month, down from 1,388 tons, and recycles about 201 tons per month, compared to 148 tons. Since its implementation in the fall, the city has saved more than $367,000.
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Central Berkshire Regional School District Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis has put the phrase "life-long learning" into practice throughout her career and will continue to do so in retirement. click for more
