PITTSFIELD — A routine traffic stop in Pittsfield escalated into a motor vehicle pursuit that resulted in a power outage and a vehicle fire on Monday, authorities said.
Officers with the Pittsfield Police Department attempted to pull over a vehicle for civil traffic violations around 9:30 a.m. near the intersection of West St and Edwin St.
The driver, identified as Anthony Winters, 27, of Pittsfield, initially complied but then drove off, making contact with an officer in the process, according to Lt. Jacob Barbour.
The chase continued onto Jason St, where Winters lost control of his vehicle in the 200 block, striking a telephone pole.
The impact caused significant damage, including a broken pole, a subsequent power outage, and the vehicle catching fire.
Winters fled the scene on foot but was apprehended near the crash site a short time later.
The Pittsfield Fire Department responded and extinguished the vehicle fire.
While the pursuing officer was unharmed and returned to duty, Winters sustained minor injuries and was treated at Berkshire Medical Center before being discharged.
Jason St remained closed for several hours as utility crews worked to restore power, reopening to traffic at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Winters faces a range of charges, including multiple motor vehicle offenses and Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon-Motor Vehicle.
