BLACKSTONE — Blackstone Police have arrested a father and son duo on multiple charges related to drugs and firearms following a collaborative law enforcement operation.
According to Chief Gregory Gilmore, officers executed a search warrant on Friday, Feb. 16, around 10 a.m., at a residence on Michelle Lane as part of a months-long investigation involving several police agencies.
Michael Pitler, 45, and his son Zachary Pitler, 21, both residents of Blackstone, were taken into custody without incident.
The elder Pitler is charged with possession of a Class B substance, while his son faces more severe charges, including trafficking cocaine, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card, and various other drug possession and distribution charges.
The operation was supported by the Milford Police Department, the Blackstone Valley Drug and Counter Crime Task Force — including Northbridge, Sutton, and Millbury Police — the Worcester DEA Tactical Diversion Squadron, and the U.S.
Postal Inspection Service.
Following the arrest, Michael Pitler was arraigned at Uxbridge District Court, while Zachary Pitler is scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Chief Gilmore praised the collaborative effort in the arrests, stating that a significant amount of narcotics was removed from the local community and emphasizing the department’s dedication to narcotics enforcement.
The charges against the Pitlers are allegations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
