Pittsfield woman charged for allegedly punching cashier

Posted Tuesday, March 17, 2015 4:14 am

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PITTSFIELD — A city woman is facing assault charges for allegedly attacking a Price Rite cashier for hitting her daughter with a shopping bag.

Shah Matthews, 35, of West Street, was arrested Friday after she allegedly grabbed the cashier by the neck and punched her at least 10 times, leaving cuts, bruises and marks on her face, neck and arms, according to Pittsfield Police.

The woman was treated by EMTs at the scene.

Police were called to the Dalton Avenue supermarket about 3:40 p.m. for a report of a large disturbance in progress. When they arrived, they found Matthews yelling into her cellphone in the middle of a group of 30 to 40 other people.

Matthews told police the cashier had hit her daughter in the face with a shopping bag and didn't apologize. The cashier told police she didn't think she had hit the child with a bag and if she had, it was an accident. The girl's age was unclear.

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Police seized video surveillance from the store as part of their investigation.

Matthews pleaded not guilty in Central Berkshire District Court on Monday to charges of assault and battery and disturbing the peace.

She was released on her own recognizance by Judge Paul H. Smyth and must abide by an indefinite trespass order from the store.

She is due back in court on May 7 for a pre-trial hearing.

Contact Bob Dunn at 413-496-6249.