Speeding Believed to Be a Factor in Multiple Vehicle Crash

On Saturday, January 10 at approximately 3:12 p.m., Pittsfield Police, Pittsfield Fire, and County Ambulance responded to the intersection of South St and South Mountain Rd for a report of a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries

As a result of the preliminary investigation, it was determined that the driver of a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, identified as 35-year-old Matthew Arico of Chesire was traveling northbound on South St and struck the rear of a 2016 Toyota Camry driven by 31 Ryan Harmon of Pittsfield. The impact pushed Harmon's vehicle into the back of a 2014 Toyota Corolla, being operated by 57-year-old Gina Squires of Dalton.

Investigators showed Harmon and Squires' vehicles were stopped or had just started traveling forward Northbound at the intersection when Arico's vehicle struck the rear of Harmons. Based on the amount of damage to the vehicles involved, it is believed that Arico was traveling higher than the posted speed limit.

Arico and Harmon were transported by County Ambulance to Berkshire Medical Center for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. Squires refused medical transport at the scene. Northbound traffic was diverted at Dan Fox Dr while the accident scene was cleared and the roadway reopened at approximately 4 p.m.

Arico was sighted with failing to use care and speeding.

The accident remains under investigation by the Pittsfield Police Traffic Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact Officer David Hallas at 448-9700 ext. 560.