Haverhill Man Arrested for Selling Crack Before Police Custody Death

Joseph Hurley was arrested and charged with distributing crack cocaine to Francis Gigliotti, who died following a struggle with Haverhill police officers. Surveillance footage and witness accounts indicate Gigliotti purchased and smoked crack cocaine shortly before exhibiting erratic behavior that led to police intervention. During the attempt to detain him, Gigliotti became unresponsive and later died at a hospital. Seven Haverhill police officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave while an investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the official cause of Gigliotti's death. Former Boston Police Chief Ed Davis emphasized the importance of gradual escalation of force in such police encounters.