Wrentham selectmen file assault charges against each other

Accusations follow men's room spat

WRENTHAM - Two selectmen are pursuing assault charges against each other following a men's room confrontation that took place during a break from a June 3 board meeting.

Selectman John Zizza told police that Selectman Robert Cohen "stepped very abruptly" toward him and began cursing. Zizza told police that Cohen said, "Don't [expletive] with me, John," and, "If you [expletive] with me, you will be sorry."

Zizza told police that Cohen's tone and mannerisms made him fear that his fellow selectman would attempt to harm him.

"He was attempting to make me feel that I would be in some sort of physical danger," Zizza said in an interview. "I know when someone's trying to physically threaten me."

Cohen, however, told police that Zizza was "intentionally provoking him" in the men's room.

Both men agree that the conversation began when Zizza told Cohen he had pulled Cohen's and other officials' nominating papers to check for forged signatures.

Cohen told police that Zizza was "hostile and intimidating" and that he feared Zizza would escalate the situation.

Neither selectman is accused of physically harming the other.

In an interview, Cohen admitted using a curse word but denied telling Zizza, "You'll be sorry."

Cohen accused Zizza of trying to intimidate him and said Zizza's assault claim is "absolutely ridiculous."

Zizza filed a police report on June 5, and Cohen filed his report on June 16. He told police that he had been willing to "let the incident die" until Zizza made a complaint.

"Now we're going to be distracted with John Zizza's false assault claim instead of doing the business of the people," Cohen said.

The two men will appear before a clerk magistrate in Wrentham District Court who will decide whether there is enough evidence for either to be charged. Zizza and Cohen said they had not yet been notified when the hearing will be held.