On June 26, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office reported an incident involving the death of an arrestee at the Chatham County Detention Center in Savannah, Georgia.
The Details: According to the Sheriff’s Office, at around 6:10 p.m., the Savannah Police Department brought a man to the detention center. Due to a medical condition, the man was initially refused admission by the on-duty CorrectHealth nurse and taken to a hospital for evaluation.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the man was cleared by medical staff and was returned to the detention center at 8:30 p.m. Approximately one hour later, at 9:35 p.m., detention center staff found the arrestee unresponsive in his cell.
Immediate life-saving measures were initiated by staff and the on-duty nurse, and EMS transported the individual to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:34 p.m.
The Timeline:
- 6:10 p.m.: Arrestee brought to detention center
- 8:30 p.m.: Returned from hospital after evaluation
- 9:35 p.m.: Found unresponsive in cell
- 10:34 p.m.: Pronounced dead at the hospital
What We Don’t Know: Absent from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office’s statement were the details of the man’s health condition. Officials have not said whether the man’s condition was related to the arrest or a long-term health issue. The sheriff’s office is also has not released the man’s name, but will pending notification of next of kin.
Why It Matters: In-custody deaths are significant events that prompt scrutiny and concern from the community and authorities alike. They raise questions about the conditions within detention facilities, the adequacy of medical care provided to detainees, and the protocols followed by law enforcement and healthcare staff. This case will be closely watched to ensure accountability and transparency in the investigation process.
What’s Next?: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the arrestee’s death. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has extended condolences to the affected family and awaits the GBI’s findings to provide further updates.
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