Press Release  Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Obtains Guilty Verdict in Trial of Individual Who Threatened Law Enforcement with Crossbow

BERKSHIRE COUNTY — The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office obtained a guilty conviction and jail sentence of the individual who barricaded himself in a Cheshire residence and aimed a crossbow at Police.

After trial, Judge William Rota found Timothy Tatro, 40, of Pittsfield, guilty of single counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and violating an abuse prevention order on Wednesday and sentenced Tatro to serve a total of five years of incarceration.

Judge Rota sentenced Tatro to serve two and a half years at the Berkshire County House of Correction on the assault with a dangerous weapon and two and a half years on the violation of an abuse prevention order afterward.

On Wednesday, March 23, 2022, Cheshire Police and Massachusetts State Police attempted to serve Tatro a restraining order at a Pine Valley Trailer Park address. After attempting to enter, Massachusetts State Police discovered Tatro pointing a crossbow at them and refusing to vacate the residence.

Officers from the Massachusetts State Police Cheshire Barracks, State Police Special Tactical Operations Team, State Police K9 Unit, and State Police Crisis Negotiation Unit responded to assist. After nearly six hours of negotiation, the State Police Special Tactical Operations Team entered the residence and brought Tatro into custody.

“I thank the Cheshire Police and the Massachusetts State Police for safely bringing Mr. Tatro into custody. Domestic violence responses, in particular, present a significant threat to officer safety, and law enforcement handled this situation professionally and ensured everyone’s safety,” District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.

Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington’s office serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County. The office represents the Commonwealth in more than 7,500 criminal cases per year in Berkshire Superior Court, three district courts, three juvenile courts, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and Supreme Judicial Court. The office works closely with the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, and collaborates with local police departments across the county. A dedicated staff of more than 50 prioritizes public safety, empowering victims and witnesses through services and support, and building a safe community for everyone and especially the most vulnerable.

###