Man accused of selling crack cocaine to Haverhill man hour before death, police say

In Haverhill, Massachusetts, Francis Gigliotti died after a struggle with police following an alleged drug deal with Joseph Hurley. Just an hour prior, surveillance captured Hurley selling crack cocaine to Gigliotti while on an electric scooter. Witnesses observed Gigliotti displaying erratic behavior, including hitting his head on the sidewalk and attempting to enter buildings before police arrived. During the confrontation, Gigliotti became unresponsive and later died at a hospital. An autopsy is pending, and police have not confirmed whether drugs played a role in his death.

Seven Haverhill officers are currently on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues. Security expert Ed Davis emphasized the need for mental health professionals in such situations, stating that police should escalate force gradually. Hurley, already facing a history of drug offenses, was arrested after a subsequent drug sale was reported to police.