On November 22, 2021, at approximately 8:00 p.m., detention officers discovered an unresponsive inmate during their rounds. An officer immediately performed lifesaving measures and administered Narcan, and the inmate regained consciousness and was transported to Cone Health Alamance Regional Medical Center.
About 45 minutes later, detention officers found another inmate, Gerard Barnes, Jr., who was also unresponsive. Officers attempted to perform lifesaving measures until EMS arrived. Paramedics continued lifesaving efforts, but unfortunately, Mr. Barnes passed away. The official cause of death has not been determined and will be released by the medical examiner. As per standard protocol, the NC State Bureau of Investigation was notified and is assisting in the investigation.
After a search of the detention center, investigators found a baggie containing a small amount of powder substance which tested positive for fentanyl. Torre Jamel Haith was charged with a felony for possession of a controlled substance on jail premises.
Mr. Haith was arrested on November 5, 2021, and charged with a felony for maintaining a vehicle that was used for keeping and selling a controlled substance, a misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia, two felonies for trafficking methamphetamine, a felony for possession with the intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance, and a felony for possession of a firearm by a felon. Mr. Haith was quarantined for two weeks per the ACSO COVID-19 policy and released into the general population on November 19, 2021.
This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
