On Tuesday, at approximately 4:55 am, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Corrections deputies assigned to the Delta Housing Unit requested medical assistance for an unresponsive inmate. Corrections deputies and medical personnel immediately responded to the unit and began to render life-saving medical aid including CPR and the use of an AED.

Upon arrival of fire and EMS personnel, the inmate, Christopher Dewayne Ohara, was transported to a local medical facility for further treatment where unfortunately, he was later pronounced deceased.  

Ohara was arrested on May 3, and was being held at the Hamilton County Jail on charges of DUI and Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License.

At this time, preliminary findings at the scene suggest the incident is likely related to a medical event, as there are no indications of foul play, trauma, or drug use during Ohara’s time at the facility.

At the direction of Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has been directed to investigate this in-custody death. The deceased has been transported to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office where they will determine the cause and manner of death. 

Our administration has directed an internal review of the incident in order to ensure all policies, practices and procedures were followed appropriately.

The HCSO wishes to ask the community to keep Mr. Ohara’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details are available.