PITTSFIELD — On Monday, July 21, 2025, at approximately 9:03 a.m., officers with the Pittsfield Police Department were dispatched to Berkshire Bank located at 66 West Street following a report of an armed robbery.
According to a statement from Lieutenant John Soules of the Pittsfield Police Department, the suspect reportedly passed a note to the teller, brandished a knife, and fled the bank with cash (the amount of which was not specified in the release).
The subsequent investigation led to the arrest James Scales IV, 38, of Pittsfield, who was charged with the following:
- Armed Robbery while Masked
“The investigation and subsequent arrest were completed by members of the PPD’s (Pittsfield Police Department’s) patrol division, detective bureau, and crime scene services,” Lt. Soules said. “Additionally, the PPD would like to commend the bank employees and civilian witnesses who remained calm during the incident. The employees and witnesses were able to provide important information that became pertinent to the investigation.”
Scales is expected to be arraigned in Berkshire District Court on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Additional charges may be forthcoming, Lt. Soules said.
No injuries were reported.
