by Red Crow News Staff
June 23, 2011
David Pixley being arraigned Thursday afternoon, June 23, 2011
GREAT BARRINGTON — David Pixley, 62, of 20 Hollenbeck Ave., Great Barrington was charged today with 10 criminal counts — two of arson, five of “attempting to burn buildings,” and three of “attempting to burn vehicles.” Held since last night on $50,000 bail, after his arraignment he was sent to the Berkshire House of Correction in Pittsfield until Monday, when another hearing on his case will be held to determine his competency.
Red Crow’s David Scribner attended today’s arraignment hearing in Great Barrington. Here is his report:
The Commonwealth provided probable cause for holding David Pixley until Monday, when police officers can testify.
It is alleged that Pixley was seen behind TD North bank last night, carrying a tire and a bag with flammable liquid. He was allegedly dressed in the same manner as the man captured by surveillance cameras on Tuesday night, setting or preparing to set fires in the rear of several stores, including Barrington Outfitters and the Gypsy Joynt.
Pixley allegedly ran and the police gave chase, eventually ending up at Pixley’s apartment at 20 Hollenbeck, several blocks from the downtown area. And that’s where they arrested him about 2:00 a.m.
It turns out that he was recognized by one of the officers, Victor Zucco, who at one time had lived in Pixley’s apartment building.
David Pixley’s son informed us that his father had recently had his medication for bipolar disorder changed to an experimental medicine. This change was prescribed at the Jones III mental-health facility in Pittsfield, where the younger Pixley had picked up his father on June 16.
David Pixley, left, and his son David
He said he believed his father’s behavior could be attributed to the change in medicine and dosage.
At the arraignment before Judge Michael Mulcahy in Southern Berkshire District Court, David Pixley was represented by attorney Rick LeBlanc.