No Charges for Haverhill Officers in Gigliotti Death

Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker announced Tuesday that no criminal charges will be filed against seven Haverhill police officers involved in the July 11 death of Francis Gigliotti, a 43-year-old man who became unresponsive during a restraint outside a local seafood restaurant.

Gigliotti died after officers responded to reports of erratic behavior on White Street in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Witnesses called 911 around 6:22 p.m., describing him as "real messed up" and running into traffic, nearly getting struck by vehicles. Surveillance footage showed Gigliotti entering an apartment building earlier that evening, purchasing what authorities believe was crack cocaine, and later falling down stairs before fleeing the scene. When officers arrived, Gigliotti was sweating profusely, covered in blood from an unexplained injury, and appeared confused and delusional, claiming people were shooting at him. Officers, including Officer Brian Welch who knew Gigliotti from prior interactions involving mental health and substance abuse issues, attempted to de-escalate the situation by speaking calmly and requesting emergency medical services. They turned off their blue lights to...