The law enforcement officials concerned in an altercation that led to a Haverhill man’s demise have been positioned on paid administrative depart because the case is investigated, in accordance with the Merrimack Valley metropolis’s mayor.
Francis Gigliotti, 43, died Friday after police held him down exterior an area seafood restaurant following studies that he had been performing erratically.
“The Metropolis of Haverhill mourns the lack of Mr. Gigliotti, a lifelong resident. I prolong my deepest sympathies to his household and mates. Shedding a cherished one is tragic, however particularly so underneath these circumstances,” Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett wrote in an announcement.
“Mr. Gigliotti, his family and friends, and the general public deserve an intensive and clear investigation of his demise. That is of utmost significance to me,” Barrett continued. “The seven officers concerned have been positioned on administrative depart whereas the investigation ensues.”
Haverhill Police have been dispatched to the 100-block of White Avenue a bit of earlier than 6:30 Friday night time for studies of a person “behaving erratically,” in accordance with the Essex County District Lawyer’s workplace, which is investigating the police response.
The caller instructed police the person, later recognized as Gigliotti, had fallen to the ground after leaving a constructing after which was working via visitors, practically getting struck at a number of factors, and even hit his head on a automotive.
When police arrived they discovered Gigliotti “behaving in a belligerent method,” in accordance with the DA’s workplace, and referred to as for an ambulance for an evaluation. However Gigliotti allegedly fled and tried to enter Bradford Seafood at 124 Winter St., the place officers introduced him to the bottom in a wrestle. Throughout this wrestle, Gigliotti turned unresponsive. EMS transported him to a hospital the place he was pronounced lifeless.
The seven law enforcement officials on the scene have been positioned on depart because the DA’s workplace investigates.
“I’m keen to listen to the result of this investigation and see how the division and the Metropolis can be taught and develop from this within the identify of reality, justice, and public security. Right now, I proceed to induce endurance because the investigation continues and all the information are disclosed,” Mayor Barrett wrote in her assertion.
She added that she is “dedicated” to constructing sources and funding further coaching and tools for the Haverhill PD. She mentioned that whereas officers of the division don’t at present use body-worn cameras, the town has labored it into the contract with the Superior Officers union and is “actively in search of the identical settlement with our patrol officers.”
