Man Died in Jail; Wilson Residents Protest

WILSON — More than 30 protesters took to the streets Monday afternoon in Wilson to show their anger over a man who died in jail last week.

Police say 29-year-old Ricky Smith told them he had swallowed marijuana and a small amount of cocaine during a routine traffic stop. They took him to jail, where he died the next day. Some of Smith's family members say he should have been rushed to the hospital instead of a jail cell.

Wilson police chief Willie Williams said he can't comment on the death until an SBI investigation is complete. He did say Smith passed a health test moments before he was locked up.

Autopsy results are scheduled for later this week.