Hancock man held on 250000 bail in gruesome 3 point 9 mile dragging death of Pittsfield man
PITTSFIELD, MA – A 65-year-old Hancock man stood in court Wednesday accused of striking a 69-year-old man who had fallen in the road and dragging him nearly four miles through city streets before leaving him dead outside a Pittsfield hotel.
William Gross was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on charges of negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of a person resulting in death in connection with the Feb. 10 death of William Colbert.
Prosecutors allege Colbert fell in the roadway near the intersection of Francis Avenue and Linden Street around 11:30 p.m. and was unable to get up after injuring his ankle. A bystander called 911 and blocked traffic while waiting for emergency responders.
Approximately two minutes later, Gross allegedly drove through the area and struck Colbert. Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured a vehicle traveling westbound through the intersection followed by a loud impact.
According to District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Colbert was pushed and dragged 3.9 miles along a route that included Linden Street, Onota Street, West Street, Merriam Street and West Housatonic Street. Video surveillance near West Housatonic Street showed the victim underneath the vehicle before the driver allegedly backed up and drove away.
Emergency calls were received at approximately 11:49 p.m. reporting a man lying in the roadway in front of the Best Western at 1350 West Housatonic Street. First responders pronounced Colbert dead at the scene. Authorities said he could not initially be identified until the medical examiner located identification in his pocket.
Court documents describe severe injuries consistent with being dragged a significant distance.
Investigators canvassed the original scene using a thermal drone but were unable to locate the victim there. Police later reviewed surveillance footage from businesses and residences, identifying a small older vehicle consistent with the incident. Through registry searches and video analysis, investigators focused on Gross.
Prosecutors said Gross gave varying accounts to police, including that he believed he struck a log. Authorities allege he later admitted seeing the body in the roadway and leaving the area. Police also stated he attempted to wash his vehicle two days after the incident.
Gross was arrested and is being held on 250000 dollars cash bail at the Berkshire County House of Corrections. Prosecutors indicated the case will be presented to a grand jury and that additional charges, including manslaughter and destruction of evidence, are anticipated.
The charges are accusations, and Gross is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Points
- William Gross charged with negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene
- Prosecutors allege victim was dragged 3.9 miles through Pittsfield streets
- Gross held on 250000 dollars cash bail as case heads to grand jury