Community rallies amid investigation into man’s death in Haverhill after struggle with police

A crowd of public members held a rally in Haverhill on Sunday to demand justice for a man who died after being subdued and restrained by police outside a local seafood restaurant as the study into his death continues Holding signs and chanting Justice for Francis a small crowd came together to call for transparency in the assessment into the death of -year-old Francis Gigliotti who representatives say was acting erratically and died after being subdued In tears at the scene of the struggle his fianc e Michele Rooney noted she thought officers went beyond what was necessary when restraining him He was not violent he was not combative I just don t know why they had to use such excessive force she reported of the seven officers who came together to restrain him before he could get into Bradford Seafood The initial call Thursday night was for a man acting erratically in the area of White St who was behaving an in a belligerent manner according to a message issued by Essex District Attorney Paul F Tucker A subsequent review of video surveillance in the area allegedly shows Gigliotti weaving in and out of traffic and nearly being struck several times by passing motorists The caller stated he had fallen on the floor when leaving the building was running in the middle of the street and that he hit a car with his head then continued running down White Street During the struggle with police Gigliotti became unresponsive and first responders attempted lifesaving aid EMS arrived moments later and transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead Region members could be seen gathered outside the restaurant late into the night Saturday and a small memorial of lit candles were lined up along the building In a message Haverhill Mayor Melinda E Barrett reported I want to offer my condolences to the family of Francis Gigliotti and assure our population that I am closely monitoring the circumstances around his tragic death The District Attorney s office is exploring I promise complete transparency to our group and ask that everyone remain individual and calm as this study ensues and more information is made available The event remains under review by detectives assigned to the Office of the District Attorney the Haverhill Police Department and the Office of the Chief Curative Examiner This is a progressing news story stay with NEWS on-air and online for the latest details