Natick Constable Arrested for Impersonating Cop, Poking People With Baton

NATICK, MA—A Natick man who serves as a town constable is facing numerous charges after police say he impersonated a police officer and poked two people in the chest with a baton in the Dairy Queen parking lot.

Ross A. Cigna, 55, 6 Avon Lane, Natick, was arrested on Friday on two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and impersonating a police officer.

On Friday, May 20, around 12:15 a.m., an officer responded to the Dairy Queen, 323 North Main St., for a report of threats made against a male outside the ice cream shop. The caller said he thought two men were going to harm him.

The officer learned while on the way to the scene that the call went home, but still wanted to talk to police. Police say Cigna allegedly drove the person who called to retrieve his car at the Dairy Queen when two men approached and made threats, the dispute over a girlfriend.

Cigna reportedly pulled out his constable badge and told the men he was a Natick Police Officer, and then produced a police-style retractable baton and used it to push the two men in the chest.

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 in a statement. "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 her 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.

According to the town website, Cigna was re-elected to his fifth term as constable in the March election. Cigna is also listed as vice chair of the Natick Democratic Town Committee.

• Subscribe to Natick news alerts

Photo Credit: Natick police