Pittsfield man, officer injured in foot chase

PITTSFIELD – A Pittsfield habitual offender was arrested and jailed Wednesday afternoon after leading police on a motor vehicle chase and a short foot chase. Both the man and the officer were injured when they fell on ice during the incident.

Robert Burt, 31, led Officer Jeff Vanadestine on a short vehicle chase from North Main Street to Mill Street, where Burt lives, and then on a foot chase toward Hunnewell Avenue. The two fell repeatedly on ice, but Vanadestine caught up with Burt near the Cianbro Corp. facility.

Chief Steven Emery and Officer Michael Cote arrived and assisted Vanadestine with Burt’s arrest.

Both Burt and Vanadestine were treated at Sebasticook Valley Hospital for bruises and cuts caused by falling.

Burt was taken to Somerset County Jail where he was being held for violating conditions of his probation.

He was charged with operating after suspension, being a habitual offender, eluding a police officer, illegal attachment of registration plates, and refusal to submit to arrest.

Burt has a lengthy criminal record, which includes convictions for refusal to submit to arrest, operating under the influence, operating without a license, disorderly conduct, and furnishing liquor to a minor.

Pittsfield is attempting to force Burt to clean up his Mill Street property after the town found that debris, garbage and other materials on the site were drawing rats and other nuisances.