Seven suburban Boston police officers will not face charges in the case of a man who died as they restrained him on the street, authorities announced Tuesday.
The Haverhill Police Department officers were investigated for their role in the death of Francis Gigliotti, 43, on July 11, but the local district attorney said Tuesday they would not be charged.
“After a comprehensive review of the facts, applicable law, and the consideration of the opinion of a retained independent expert, it’s the view of my office and myself that criminal charges are not supportable and will not be pursued,” Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said.
Cops encountered Gigliotti while he was walking through the streets of Haverhill and weaving in and out of traffic. Video shows him nearly being hit by cars multiple times. His fiancée said he was going through a mental health crisis.
When Gigliotti attempted to enter a seafood restaurant, officers grabbed and restrained him. The cops then held him on the ground for two minutes and 25 seconds, according to the district attorney’s investigation.
The county medical examiner determined last year that his cause of death was homicide by “cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine and ethanol while being restrained prone by police.”
However, Tucker noted Tuesday that homicide is simply a medical distinction, and that he didn’t believe a crime had been committed. Gigliotti’s family members said they plan to file a civil lawsuit over his death.
With News Wire Services
