Inmate dies in Leslie County Jail

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

A McCreary County inmate died while incarcerated at the Leslie County Detention Center Monday night. Though the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, authorities do not suspect any foul play in the incident.
McCreary County Jailer Jessie Hatfield confirmed Tuesday that inmate Christopher Bryant passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Monday night while in jail.
Hatfield said he had spoken with Leslie County Jailer Danny Clark who confirmed there was no indication of any medical complaints from Bryant and multiple checks on inmates were performed throughout the day. At some point Monday night a call for assistance rang out as the subject was found unresponsive in his cell. Efforts to resuscitate Bryant were performed, but were unsuccessful.
Hatfield stated there is every indication that Leslie County staff acted appropriately and heroically to try and save Bryant’s life during the incident.
Bryant’s remains have been sent to a medical examiner for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Efforts were made to reach Leslie County Jailer Danny Clark for comment on the story, but as of press time Wednesday he had yet to respond.
Bryant was initially arrested on June 17 after officers responded to a residence on Clarence Duncan Road on a welfare check after receiving reports of a possible assault. Officers took statements from Bryant and two females at the residence alleging he struck a toddler on the buttocks, leaving a visible mark. One female victim had a bite mark on her neck and scratches on her arm as a result of alleged actions by Bryant. His mother also reported he had struck her on the face and smothered her by laying on top of her. Bryant was suffering from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg. He was transported to the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital where his injury was treated and he was released in to custody.
He was indicted by the McCreary County Grand Jury last month on two charges of assault, as well as criminal abuse 3rd degree/child under 12, unlawful imprisonment, and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. He was being held on a $250,000 bond.