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The Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations Team (STOP) responded to a Berkshire County residence in Cheshire to apprehend a suspect who aimed a crossbow at a state trooper during a standoff.
The incident began shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at the Pine Valley Trailer Park on 4th Avenue in Cheshire.
Police said that local law enforcement called on state police for assistance in serving a restraining order against Berkshire County resident Timothy Tarto, age 40, of Pittsfield, that demanded he leaves the trailer park residence immediately.
Instead, police said that Tarto pointed a crossbow at a trooper as he approached the trailer, unlawfully barricading himself inside the residence.
“Showing immense restraint, troopers and officers established a perimeter around the residence and evacuated surrounding residents,” a state police spokesperson said. “Massachusetts State Police STOP responded to and took command of the scene with state police negotiators and K9 teams also responding to the scene.
According to the spokesperson, state police continued to attempt to engage Tarto through the night in an effort to coax him out of the residence and surrender peacefully.
After nearly six hours, police said that at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, Tarto continued to remain steadfast, refusing to leave the trailer, prompting action by troopers and units at the scene.
Police were able to breach the trailer, taking Tarto into custody without incident or injury.
Tarto was transported to State Police Headquarters in Cheshire, where he was charged with:
- Assault with a dangerous weapon;
- Violation of an emergency restraining order;
- Disorderly conduct;
- Resisting arrest;
- Disturbing the peace.
Tarto was held by state police overnight pending his arraignment in North Adams District Court.
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