RHINEBECK — A Rhinebeck man died this morning after an "intensive" altercation with police in which a taser was used, authorities said.

State police and the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office had responded to a call at 713 Slate Quarry Road, Rhinebeck, for a domestic dispute and a possible drug overdose. Upon arrival, police said, officers found James J. Healy, 44, inside the residence acting disoriented and behaving irrationally. They also said the homeowner stated she was concerned for Healy's well-being, but wanted him removed from her home.

After police asked Healy to leave, he became combative and physically resisted removal, police said. They then attempted to restrain Healy and a struggle ensued, they said.

During an "intensive" struggle, Healy resisted all efforts to get him under control. A sheriff's deputy then used a taser to get Healy to stop fighting, but he continued to fight, police said. 

Police eventually got control of him, but it then appeared Healy was having trouble breathing, they said. They said he was given medical attention at the scene, then taken to Northern Dutchess Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of death had not been determined Wednesday evening.

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