Sigma Nu brother arrested for assault

Junior Sigma Nu brother Joe Cerra was arrested on Nov. 8 after an altercation with Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) officers.

Cerra has been charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and assault and battery of a police officer.

According to the police report the incident took place early Friday morning at approximately 2:30 a.m.

The incident occurred when a TUPD supervisor pulled to the side of the road to answer his cell phone in front of the Sigma Nu fraternity on Professors Row.

Cerra reportedly began to scream obscenities out the second floor window and pointed a stereo out the window.

After the officer "repeatedly asked the individual to quiet down" a confrontation ensued on the front steps of the fraternity house, according to TUPD Captain Mark Keith.

Keith said "the disturbance became louder and began to draw a crowd. At this point the decision was made to place the individual in custody."

Cerra was then transported to the Somerville Police Department, which is standard procedure, according to Keith. Keith added that the chosen local department depends on which side of campus the incident occurs. Professors Row lies in Somerville.

Cerra was booked for the three charges at the Somerville Police Department. An arraignment was held on the Monday following the incident. TUPD filed the charges.

Keith said he believed that a court date was set for January; however the Somerville District Court could not confirm this.

Judicial Affairs Director Veronica Carter said that she was aware of the incident, although, nothing had yet reached her office. Any judicial process within the University will be up to the discretion of the Dean of Students Office. This could potentially lead to a hearing.

Cerra declined to comment on the situation. He did however say that he "hopes any of the witnesses to the situation will please come forward and provide any information."

Keith said he was not aware of any attempted contact with witnesses as part of the investigation.