21-year-old man dies while being held at Mecklenburg County jail, officials say

An investigation has been launched into the death of a 21-year-old man who was being held at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center in uptown Charlotte, according to the sheriff’s Office.

Ja’Lan Riddick of Charlotte was pronounced dead just after 4 p.m. Saturday, the sheriff’s office said in a June 6 news release.

“At approximately 3:19 p.m., a medical emergency was called by a detention officer in the housing unit where Mr. Riddick was assigned after he was discovered to be unresponsive,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Lifesaving measures were administered and continued until emergency medical personnel arrived. ... Despite all life-saving efforts by MCSO staff and medical personnel, Mr. Riddick was pronounced deceased at approximately 4:05 p.m.”

A cause of death was not released.

Riddick had been held at Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central since March 19, officials said.

“MCSO is cooperating with the State Bureau of Investigation as they conduct a thorough, in-custody death investigation, and the medical examiner determines the cause of death,” the sheriff’s office said.

The detention center is located at 801 East Fourth Street in uptown Charotte.

This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 5:01 AM.