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Wanted Man Crashes Into Pole, Knocks Out Power In Western Mass, Sparks Car Fire: Police

A routine traffic stop was anything but routine after the driver tried to escape, crashing into a utility pole, and starting a car fire in Berkshire County, authorities said. 

Pittsfield Police

Pittsfield Police

Photo Credit: Pittsfield Police Department/Facebook

Anthony Winters, age 27, of Pittsfield, was charged with several motor vehicle offenses and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, Pittsfield police said. 

It all began around 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, when police went to pull over Winters' car in the area of West and Edwin Streets. He stopped momentarily but then floored it, hitting an officer as he tried to make his getaway. 

He led police on a chase down West and onto Jason Street, authorities said. 

Winters lost control of the car in the 200 block of Jason Street and crashed into a utility pole, police said. The damage knocked out power to several homes and sparked a fire in his car. 

Winters jumped out and tried to run away, but he didn't make it far before police arrested him. 

Pittsfield firefighters put out the car fire, and utility workers restored power within a few hours, police said. 

The officer he hit was not injured, but Winters was taken to Berkshire Medical Center for minor injuries before doctors discharged him. 

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