Motor vehicle pursuit results in officer being hit, downed telephone pole, vehicle fire in Pittsfield

Pittsfield Police say they arrested Anthony Winters, 27, of Pittsfield following a motor vehicle pursuit on Monday that resulted an officer being hit by the car, and a downed telephone pole causing a power outage and a fire.

Police response began around 9:30 a.m., when officers stopped the motor vehicle for traffic infractions in the area of West Street and Edwin Street.

Authorities say Winters initially stopped the vehicle, but then fled the scene and making contact with the officer in the process of fleeing. The officer was not injured and returned to work shortly after the incident, said the police department.

The pursuit continued on West Street, and then onto Jason Street, when Winters’ vehicle lost control near the 200 block of Jason Street and collided with a telephone pole, said police.

Officials say the crash caused the pole to break, which resulted in a power outage. The crash also caused the vehicle to catch fire, they added. Pittsfield Fire responded to the scene to extinguish the fire.

Jason Street was closed for several hours while power was being restored.

Following the incident, Pittsfield Police say they charged Winters with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and numerous motor vehicle offenses.

They add Winters was treated for minor injuries at Berkshire Medical Center and discharged.