Woman Impersonated Marlborough Officer Before Attack: Police

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough police have charged a 22-year-old city woman after an attack inside an apartment Thursday night that began with the suspect impersonating a Marlborough police officer.

The incident happened just before 11 p.m. at the Heights at Marlborough apartments along Briarwood Lane. The suspect went to an apartment, knocked on the door, and told a woman inside that she was a Marlborough officer.

When the victim opened the door, five people were standing there. One of the suspects, identified by police as Melissa Pettigrew, yelled "get her" and began attacking the victim.

Another person in the apartment was able to call police, but not before injuring the victim — the assailants punched and strangled her, police said — and causing about $1,000 in damage to the apartment.

Police arrested Adria Pettigrew and charged her with impersonating a police officer, conspiracy, unarmed assault and burglary, and vandalizing property. Melissa Pettigrew, 49, was arrested on the same charges. The three other people involved left the scene before police could make arrests.

Police said the incident stems from an "ongoing feud" between people who live in the apartment complex.