TOWN OF SOUTHEAST – Police in Putnam County are investigating the death of a 40-year-old Brewster man who became unresponsive when officers attempted to restrain him late Monday afternoon.

Arsen Keleshian of 150 Putnam Avenue in Brewster was transported by ambulance to Putnam Hospital Center’s emergency department in Carmel where he later died.

Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies, state troopers and members of the Brewster Fire Department responded to a 911 report of an emotionally disturbed man throwing objects, yelling, screaming, making aggressive moves toward staff and pulling the fire alarm at the administrative offices of Life Assist, at 340 Tonetta Lake Road in the Town of Southeast.

Life Assist offers programs to help persons living with persistent behavioral health disorders make an effective transition toward independent living, according to the agency’s website.

When emergency personnel arrived on the scene, they saw Keleshian, a client of Life Assist, in an agitated condition and undressing on the front lawn of the facility.

Officers attempted to calm him down and that’s when he kicked a deputy in the chest and leg. As Keleshian was being restrained, he became unresponsive.

His cause of his death is being investigated by law enforcement authorities and Putnam County Coroner Dr. Michael Nesheiwat. The county district attorney’s office is also assisting in the investigation.

Investigators also interviewed staff members and other potential witnesses while forensics specialists searched the scene for any evidence that may help determine the cause of death.

The results of an autopsy and toxicology tests could take up to six weeks.