1 Arrested In Pittsfield, MA Bank Robbery

The Pittsfield Police Department officers and investigators responded to a reported armed robbery at Berkshire Bank, 66 West Street around 9:00 a.m. Monday morning.

No injuries occurred. The suspect allegedly passed a note to a teller, displayed a knife, and fled with cash.

Following the investigation, 38-year-old Pittsfield resident James Scales IV was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery While Masked, according to a press release sent by The Pittsfield Police Department.

Additional charges may be filed, and Scales is scheduled for arraignment in Berkshire District Court on Tuesday, July 22.

The PPD’s patrol division, detective bureau, and crime scene services conducted the investigation and arrest.

The PPD acknowledges the bank employees and civilian witnesses for their composure and critical information, which significantly aided the investigation.

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Boston's Biggest Bank Heist

On the evening of January 17, 1950, employees of the security firm Brinks, Inc., in Boston, Massachusetts, were closing for the day, returning sacks of undelivered cash, checks, and other material to the company safe on the second floor.

Shortly before 7:30 p.m., they were surprised by five men—heavily disguised, quiet as mice, wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints and soft shoes to muffle noise. The thieves quickly bound the employees and began hauling away the loot.

Within minutes, they’d stolen more than $1.2 million in cash and another $1.5 million in checks and other securities, making it the largest robbery in the U.S. at the time. -fbi.gov