Seven police officers involved in restraining a man who later died will not be charged with any crimes, according to officials. The incident took place outside a seafood market in a Boston suburb, Massachusetts, where Francis Gigliotti, 43, passed away on July 11 after being subdued while walking into traffic. Reports indicate that Gigliotti was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time. Although the officers were not equipped with body cameras, footage from witnesses captured the scene of multiple officers holding Gigliotti face down as he called out for help.

Additional videos obtained from local media showed Gigliotti falling to the ground outside a shop, hitting his head on a parked car, and stumbling into traffic, narrowly avoiding being hit by passing vehicles multiple times. The officers involved were placed on administrative leave during the investigation, and it has been confirmed that they will not face criminal charges.

Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker stated that after a thorough examination of the facts and applicable laws, as well as consulting with an independent expert, his office concluded that pursuing criminal charges against the officers would not be justifiable. A lawyer representing Gigliotti’s family expressed disappointment but vowed to continue striving for justice and accountability.

According to Tucker, Gigliotti’s death was attributed to cardiac dysrhythmia due to a combination of cocaine and alcohol intoxication while being restrained by police. Autopsy results revealed no physical trauma to Gigliotti’s nose, throat, neck, or back, with bruises found on his limbs. Tucker clarified that the officers initially attempted to assist Gigliotti when he was behaving erratically near traffic but resorted to restraining him when he tried to enter a restaurant.

Tucker disclosed that Gigliotti was held on the ground for 2 minutes and 25 seconds, and when he became unresponsive, officers administered Narcan, performed CPR, and later handed over control to emergency medical services. Law enforcement guidelines have long advised against keeping suspects on their stomachs after being handcuffed as it poses a risk of asphyxiation.

Experts caution that although placing individuals on their stomachs is not inherently life-threatening, prolonged pressure on the chest or excessive weight can lead to breathing difficulties and cardiac stress. This incident underscores the ongoing debate around police practices and the need for accountability in law enforcement interactions.