Pittsfield establishes gun violence task force after string of shootings

A new gun violence task force has been established in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, following a series of shootings in the city. Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue convened the group to address a recent spate of violence that has occurred within a small geographic radius.

The most recent incident took place on Tuesday afternoon on Circular Avenue in the Jubilee Hill section of the West Side. Following a ShotSpotter activation, police responded to find one individual with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, who was subsequently transported to Berkshire Medical Center.

This incident marks the fourth shooting in the city within approximately two months. The recent string of violence has resulted in one death and seven injuries. District Attorney Shugrue noted that the cases appear to be concentrated in the same neighborhoods and may involve similar individuals.

The task force will include city, local, and state police. First Assistant DA Marianne Shelvey, who has experience in the U.S. Department of Justice's Organized Crime and Gang Section, will manage the day-to-day operations of the unit. No arrests have been announced in connection with the recent shootings.