Two Arrested for Alleged Armed Home Invasion

Ronald P. Sanford III, 27, of Pittsfield and Arthur J. McCowan, 29, from Springfield were taken into custody when police responded to call from a home's occupant saying two individuals armed with handguns were trying to gain access to their home on Pomeroy Avenue on Friday afternoon.

According to Police, Sanford and McCowan were detained and searched for weapons.  No handguns were found but McCowan was in possession of a folding knife.  Both men were charged with numerous offenses.

The charges include unarmed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon (handgun), threat to commit crime (murder), and possession of a Class C drug (clonazepam) with intent to distribute.

While still in police custody, Sanford was transported to Berkshire Medical Center by Officers for medical reasons. He became aggressive and as a result of his actions at the hospital, he was charged with four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (shod foot and chair), one count of assault with a dangerous weapon (police radio), and one count of assault and battery on a police officer.

Sanford and McCowan are both being held on $10,000 bail. They will be arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on this morning 1/29.

The injuries to officers as a result of Sanford's actions were not serious.