Radio prank causes major police response

PITTSFIELD – Someone using an illegal radio to talk on the channel used by the Pittsfield Police Department and Somerset County Communications’ Center triggered a major police response late Friday when the person indicated an officer was shot.

Using the designation “205,” which refers to Pittsfield Officer Rodney Minoty, the person on the radio said, “Code 33. Shots fired. Shots fired.” Minoty was not expected on duty until 11 p.m. and the prank occurred about 9:30 p.m.

Dispatchers and officers trying to reply by radio to the caller suddenly heard the word “Manson” and a gurgling sound. Thinking that someone, likely an officer, had been shot, police officers from Pittsfield, Somerset County Sheriff’s Department and the Maine State Police rushed to Manson Park and Manson Street.

The park was swept with lights, and nothing was discovered. After a thorough search of both areas, Pittsfield Sgt. Timothy Roussin said the incident was being considered a radio prank. He said that cars in the area were being stopped and searched for two-way radios with Pittsfield’s frequency.

“These kids are getting completely out of hand,” said Roussin, who blames young adults between 18 and 25 for the incident and other vandalism in Pittsfield this summer.