Putnam DA Cites Cardiac Arrest in Death at Life Assist

There is "no credible evidence" to support any criminal charges in the July 2012 death of a man who was living at a facility in Southeast for people with emotional behavior issues.

“For six months, the Putnam DA’s Office interviewed numerous witnesses and family members who had information about the July 23, 2012 death of 42-year-old Arsen Keleshian," Putnam County District Attorney (DA) Adam B. Levy said in a statement Thursday. "In addition to those interviews, the DA’s office reviewed each and every document, report and medical record concerning this incident."

Officials said began with a 911 report of "an emotionally disturbed person throwing objects, yelling, screaming, making aggressive moves toward staff members and pulling the fire alarm at the administrative offices of Life Assist," which is located at 340 Tonetta Lake Road. 

When emergecny responders—which included members of the Brewster Fire Department and the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, as well as state troopers—attempted to restrain Keleshian, who kicked a deputy, the man became unresponsive, according to police. He was transported to Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel where he died. 

“There is no credible evidence to support any criminal charge against the first responders who arrived on scene and who were involved with Mr. Keleshian on July 23, 2012," Levy said. “All witness statements and reports corroborated the medical examiner's autopsy report that confirmed Arsen Keleshian died on July 23, 2012 from cardiac arrest.”

In his press release, Levy also expressed thanks to the Keleshian family "for their patience and support" during the investigation process.

Keleshian was listed as living at at 150 Putnam Ave. in Southeast, a two-story home, with a large porch and columns, that was reportedly associated with Life Assist at the time.

The private organization owns facilities in New York and Connecticut. It "offers an innovative way for people who are facing the challenges associated with behavioral health, substance abuse or other complex problems to begin or maintain independent lifestyles," according to its former website. A new site is in the works.

The site stated that Life Assist is recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, which was established in the 1960s.

Before Life Assist, both the Putnam Avenue and Tonetta Lake Road facilities appear to have been properties of Supervised Lifestyles, Inc. That organization reportedly stopped operations in 2010, following state orders.