Thursday March 28th, 2024 5:49AM

Inmate dies in custody at Habersham Co. Detention Center

By AccessWDUN Staff

CLARKESVILLE — A Habersham County Detention Center inmate died Wednesday while in custody, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

According to a release from the Habersham County Sheriff;s Office, a deputy requested an ambulance after 35-year-old Christopher Preston Watts suffered a medical emergency, and jail medical staff determined he needed further medical attention. Watts was transported to the Habersham Medical Center, where he later died.

Earlier that day, Watts had reportedly been in a struggle with Baldwin authorities. A release from the City of Baldwin Police Department states that just before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, officer arrived at the Dollar General on Willingham Avenue after a tip that one of Habersham's Most Wanted was in the store.

Baldwin Police said they met the suspect, Watts, and he tried to run. A foot chase ensued inside the store, and Watts was eventually tazed and handcuffed.

The release from Baldwin Police also said an officer was injured and an ambulance was requested on scene for the officer and the suspect. 

Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell then requested assistance from the GBI's Cleveland Office after Watts died at Habersham County Medical Center just before 5 p.m. on July 29.

Watts'  body was taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. Results of the autopsy are pending.   

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