PITTSFIELD — Last week's fatal shooting at the intersection of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue stood out as a startling act of violence that took place just before sunset as local families enjoyed a warm summer night outdoors.

But in the aftermath of of the shooting, which killed one man and wounded another, business owners on Tyler Street told The Eagle that the incident is not representative of the neighborhood’s character.

“That was an outlier,” said one business owner, who asked not to be named to avoid affiliating his company name with the crime. “We have businesses here that are a safe spot for kids. We’re trying to grow the community in the right direction.”

For the people making their livelihoods on Tyler Street, just a stone’s throw away from Morningside Community School, the shooting was tragic — but not enough to rattle their faith in the community as a whole.

“It’s unfortunate that it’s happening in the neighborhood,” said Mike Mongeon, owner of KJ Nosh Catering Co., of the recent violence. “It’s been an ongoing issue in Pittsfield.”

But, Mongeon said, “I personally think it’s safe for the most part.”

“I love the neighborhood,” he added. “We’re a big part of it. We believe in it. It’s not deterring us from doing business in it.”

Last week's fatal shooting near Tyler Street in Pittsfield was a “targeted act,” police said.

Several hours after The Eagle conducted these interviews on Tuesday, additional information about the homicide was released to the public. The deceased victim has been identified by police as Justin Crawford, 29, of Pittsfield.

Another man, an unidentified 38-year-old, was treated and released.

Pittsfield police also said an arrest warrant has been issued for 35-year-old Terry Martizna for one count of murder, and pursuit of him remains ongoing. Martizna should be considered armed and dangerous, police said, and members of the public should not approach him.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Pittsfield Police Department immediately at 413–448–9700. Information can also be provided anonymously by texting PITTIP and a message to TIP411 (847411).

A man bikes along Tyler Street in Pittsfield near the site of last week's fatal shooting.

Police have previously said they believe the shooting was a “targeted act.”

In a joint statement last week, Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti and Police Chief Marc Maddalena said city police had increased patrols in the area following the shooting.

Robert Williams, manager of Tyler Street Arcade, declined to discuss the shooting in detail but noted the importance of coming together in the wake of tragedy.

“It’s a traumatic incident to happen in any neighborhood,” he said. “It’s how we react to the incidents that make us a stronger community, and an even better Pittsfield.”

A view of Tyler Street in Pittsfield.

Williams said the arcade serves as a safe place for children to gather and have fun and as “an outlet to get away from negativity.”

“We’re continuing in our mission regardless” of the shooting, he said.

“I know what we’re doing here,” he added. “I know what we’re doing to help the community.”

Salam Herbert, the owner of Dairy Cone, has run her popular ice cream shop on Tyler Street for 38 years. She prefers to be known for the soft serve that draws long lines of customers on summer nights, but the shooting that took place nearby during business hours has led people to associate her shop with the crime, she said.

“It had nothing to do with the Dairy Cone,” Herbert said. But still, “People are scared. They’re afraid to come here.”

To that end, she wants to make clear: “We have nothing to do with it.”

“I never expected that,” she added, referring to the shooting. “You think you’re making a living to feed your family.”

Police are also investigating reports of shots fired at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Pleasant Street on Sunday evening, less than half a mile away from where the homicide took place.

A view of Tyler Street in Pittsfield.

“People hate the pattern of violence and they want to see change,” said City Councilor Cam Cunningham, whose ward includes the neighborhood where the shooting took place. “I feel the community responds really well when we show strength in the city.”

He mentioned a few recent incidents of violence in the community, including the Oct. 26 shooting at Franco Terrace that killed 17-year-old Brodie Slonski, as examples. “It just keeps happening,” he said.

A view of Tyler Street in Pittsfield.

Cunningham announced Tuesday on Facebook he had filed a petition to request Mayor Peter Marchetti work with city departments to explore the possibility of converting Morningside Community School, set to close at the end of this school year, into new headquarters for city police and a community resource hub.

Despite recent incidents of violence, Cunningham said, he believes Pittsfield is generally a safe place.

“A lot of it's targeted,” he said of violence in the community. “If you're not involved in crime already, the odds of you being a random victim of violence, or frankly, even property crime, is very low. So our city is safe, but that does not excuse what's happening right now.”