Pittsfield Man Held Without Bail in Afternoon Shooting

According to The Berkshire Eagle, 27-year-old Dane Kessler of Pittsfield has been deemed dangerous and is being without bail for at least 120 days, while awaiting a jury trial.

Kessler is a suspect in a day time shooting that occurred on June 12  and is accused of shooting a gun he was not licensed to carry at a car on Francis Ave in Pittsfield.  The incident took place at 12:11 pm.

Reports say that witnesses told police that Kessler shot at a silver Nissan Altima. Another witness told police Kessler had passed them a gun, saying he had been shot at and that he had returned fire.

Shortly after the incident officers located Kessler and placed him under arrest for his involvement in the shooting. At that time, Kessler indicated that he had been shot in the leg and officers subsequently transported him to BMC for treatment.

Kessler is charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License, Discharging a Firearm within 500 feet of a Dwelling, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

A 26-year-old man, believed to be the other party involved, arrived at BMC with apparent gunshot wounds while the investigation at the scene was ongoing.

A Nissan Altima matching the description of the one Kessler allegedly shot at was later located in North Adams with a bullet hole in it. Investigators say there was also evidence to show the vehicle had been intentionally set on fire at one point.

Assistant District Attorney Allison Pash argued that the seriousness of Kessler's alleged actions, in the middle of the day, in a public, residential neighborhood, justified his being held without bail. She also pointed to Kessler's criminal record in his native state of Florida to argue that he poses a danger to the public.

Judge Jennifer Tyne agreed with Pash who said she expects to move the case to Superior Court. The next follow-up court date is scheduled for August 4.