Berkshire Register – January 22, 2023

Pittsfield>> Paul Callaghan, 50, was acquitted at trial by a Berkshire County jury on charges resulting from a January 11, 2023 melee with Pittsfield Police at his home in the city.

The jury of 6 returned the not guilty verdicts on charges of assault and battery on a police officer and threatening the officers. His lawyer, Marc Vincelette of Pittsfield, praised the jury after the verdict stating that they “paid close attention to the details and returned the only verdict that made sense. That verdict, of course, is not guilty.”

Pittsfield Police responded to the Holmes Road area of the city after receiving 2 911 calls from citizens claiming they heard a woman screaming for help. 3 officers responded to Callaghan’s home where they were met by Callaghan at the entrance. Officers testified that Callaghan refused to let them in the home and when they entered to search, Callaghan grabbed the neck of a female Pittsfield Police Officer. After he was subdued, the home was searched and nothing was found related to the 911 calls. Prosecutors further alleged Callaghan then threatened the officers as they were leaving the residence.

Callaghan’s lawyer alleged to the jury that the police forced their way into his home and that the charges were fabricated in order to cover for the officer’s illegal and baseless search of the home.

The case was tried in front of Judge Mark Pasquariello in the Central Berkshire District Court.