Man Charged in Pittsfield Hit-and-Run That Killed Pedestrian

William Gross, 65, faces motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene charges after allegedly striking and dragging victim William Colbert, 69, for 4 miles.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A 65-year-old man has been charged with motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of an accident after a hit-and-run crash in Pittsfield, Massachusetts that killed a 69-year-old pedestrian. Authorities say William Gross struck William Colbert at an intersection, dragging him a lengthy distance before he was found dead near a hotel several miles away.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes that result in fatalities are a serious public safety concern, highlighting the need for improved driver accountability and pedestrian safety measures in Pittsfield and other communities. This incident also raises questions about the circumstances that led to the extended dragging of the victim.

The details

According to prosecutors, on February 10th Gross allegedly struck Colbert at the Linden Street/Francis Avenue intersection in Pittsfield. After the initial impact, Colbert was pulled underneath Gross' vehicle and dragged a 'lengthy distance' before being found dead near a Best Western Hotel around 4 miles from the crash site. Gross allegedly fled the scene, but was later arrested without incident following an 'extensive investigation' by police.

  • The incident occurred on February 10, 2026.
  • Gross was arrested on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Gross is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday morning in Central Berkshire District Court.

The players

William Gross

A 65-year-old man charged with motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury or death.

William Colbert

A 69-year-old Pittsfield resident who was killed in the hit-and-run crash.

Berkshire District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors handling the case against William Gross.

Pittsfield Police

The law enforcement agency that investigated the hit-and-run incident.

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What they’re saying

“After an 'extensive investigation,' Gross was arrested without incident and is set to be arraigned Wednesday morning in Central Berkshire District Court.”

— Berkshire District Attorney's Office (boston.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wednesday whether or not to allow William Gross to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run case highlights the need for stricter accountability measures and harsher penalties for drivers who flee the scene of an accident, especially when it results in a fatality. It also underscores the importance of improving pedestrian safety infrastructure and driver education in Pittsfield to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.