Executive Summary
- William Gross, 65, arrested Feb. 16 for fatal hit-and-run in Pittsfield.
- Victim William Colbert, 69, was dragged significantly by the vehicle.
- Charges include Motor Vehicle Homicide and Leaving the Scene.
- Incident occurred on Feb. 10; arraignment date pending.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Authorities have arrested a Hancock man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a 69-year-old resident earlier this month.
William Gross, 65, was taken into custody on Monday, February 16. Citing a statement from Berkshire County District Attorney Chief Operating Officer Julia Sabourin, officials confirmed that Gross has been charged with Motor Vehicle Homicide and Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Personal Injury or Death.
The investigation stems from an incident that occurred on Tuesday, February 10, between 11:33 p.m. and 11:49 p.m. in the area of Linden Street and Francis Avenue. According to police reports, the victim, identified as William Colbert, was struck by a vehicle while in the roadway.
Investigators allege that after the initial collision, Colbert became trapped beneath the vehicle and was dragged a significant distance. His body was ultimately discovered near 1350 West Housatonic Street. As of Tuesday, specific details regarding Gross’s arraignment schedule had not been released.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Procedural Outlook
This arrest marks a critical juncture in the investigation into the fatal incident. With charges of Motor Vehicle Homicide and Leaving the Scene filed, the focus now shifts to the prosecutorial phase, where the District Attorney’s office will present forensic evidence linking the suspect’s vehicle to the victim. The substantial distance over which the victim was allegedly dragged suggests that accident reconstruction and forensic vehicle analysis will likely play pivotal roles in the upcoming judicial proceedings.
