James G. Hicks, Chief of Police
20 East Central St.
Natick, MA 01760
Friday, May 20, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Natick Police Arrest Town Constable for Assault and Battery and Impersonating a Police Officer
NATICK — Chief James G. Hicks reports that the Natick Police Department arrested a town constable earlier today after he allegedly posed as a police officer and poked two individuals in the chest with a baton.
ROSS A. CIGNA, AGE 55, OF NATICK, is charged with
- Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (Two Counts)
- Impersonating a Police Officer
On Friday, May 20, at approximately 12:15 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the Dairy Queen, 323 North Main St., for a report of threats made against a male outside the ice cream shop. The male reporting party told police that he believed two men were going to cause him harm.
While en route, the officer learned that the two men had left the scene and the reporting party was returning home, but wanted to speak to police.
A Natick Police Department investigation indicates that CIGNA allegedly drove the reporting party to retrieve his car at the Dairy Queen when two men approached and made threats. The altercation was allegedly regarding a dispute over a girlfriend.
The investigation indicates that during the argument, CIGNA produced his constable badge and allegedly told the men that he was a Natick Police Officer. He then allegedly produced a police-style retractable baton and used it to push the two men in the chest.
Natick Police placed CIGNA under arrest as a result of the investigation.
The incident remains under investigation by Natick Police. All parties involved are adults.
CIGNA was released on bail and will be arraigned at Natick District Court at a later date.
“This is a disappointing situation,” said Natick Town Administrator Martha L. White. “We have an excellent group of elected constables in Natick who perform vital duties in the community. While the investigation remains ongoing, it is very disheartening to hear about this alleged abuse of authority.”
In the Town of Natick, constables are elected, and their work does not fall under the jurisdiction, hiring authority, or supervision of the Natick Police Department or the town government. They are authorized under Article 3 Section 6 of the Natick Home Rule Charter to serve civil processes and perform similar functions in town. They do not have arresting authority and are not police officers. There are six total elected constables in Natick.
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