Wake County sheriff says inmate dies from apparent suicide

Baker said he received word of the death of a man, who was not identified, at the Wake County Detention Center. Baker said the incident happened shortly after 7 p.m.

Officials confirmed the inmate died after he hung himself with a bed sheet. He was being held on a housing assistance request from federal prison officials, according to a press release from the sheriff's office.

Baker said the inmate was not on suicide watch and there was no indication he was suicidal. Baker also stressed the incident should draw attention to their concerns over jail regulations requiring to provide bed sheets for inmates.

“This can no longer be tolerated,” Baker said during the press conference. "This agency will continue to work with local and state officials to find alternatives that will prevent future suicide attempts from occurring, while make sure that inmates have safe, adequate bedding.”

The sheriff's office has been in touch with state jail inspectors. An investigation into the incident continued Wednesday night.