PITTSFIELD streets were the scene of a grim discovery late Tuesday night when officers found the body of William S. Colbert, 69, near West Housatonic Street. Colbert had been struck by a vehicle near Linden Street and Francis Avenue and dragged under it for nearly four miles. The driver left without calling for help, leaving Colbert to die alone on the pavement not far from the Best Western.
Police describe the suspect car as a dark-colored sedan, likely a Toyota or Honda. Investigators believe the driver did not realize—or did not care—that Colbert was trapped beneath the vehicle as it traveled through parts of Pittsfield. Police are reconstructing the route, hoping to match it with surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses on streets like Robbins Avenue, Daniels Avenue and Columbus Avenue.
The Pittsfield Police Department has appealed directly to the public for help, urging residents along the possible route to review doorbell or security cameras for signs of the vehicle that struck Colbert. Detectives are working around the clock to find witnesses and clues that could lead to an arrest.
Colbert’s final hours have become the focus of a community’s sorrow. People in the neighborhood describe him as someone who enjoyed his evening walks and often stopped to chat with neighbors or admire small details around town. His sudden, violent death has shocked those who knew him and unsettled others who live nearby.
Authorities say the case highlights how dangerous hit-and-run incidents can be, especially when drivers flee the scene. They stress that stopping after a crash can save lives and prevent further suffering. The search for the suspect continues, and police are confident someone will come forward with crucial information.
No suspect has been named yet, and no charges have been filed. The investigation remains active as detectives follow up on leads and review evidence. The community waits for answers in a case that has shaken this quiet corner of Pittsfield.
