DAYTON — A family wants answers after a 25-year-old man died while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, Christian Black, 25, of Zanesville, died at Miami Valley Hospital on Wednesday, March 26.
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“No mother should ever have to walk into a hospital and see their son in that condition with nothing, no explanation, no phone call, no nothing,” Christian’s mother, Misti Black, said.
>>RELATED: Inmate dies in local jail custody; family’s attorneys leaving ‘no stone unturned’ in investigation
Misti said she is heartbroken at the loss of her firstborn child, Christian.
She and Christian’s father, Kenya Black, have hired a lawyer to find answers.
“We plan to hold the Montgomery County Jail, the sheriff’s office responsible for what has occurred. This is happening way too frequently,” lawyer Michael Wright said.
As previously reported by News Center 7, Christian was booked into the Montgomery County Jail Sunday morning.
Englewood police said he crashed a car that was reportedly stolen from a 44-year-old woman in Beavercreek.
They said Christian jumped a fence and swam across a pond to escape.
>>RELATED: Man jumps fence, swims in pond after crash in Englewood
A spokesperson with the Montgomoery County Sheriff’s Office said that about 24 hours after he was booked, he appeared unresponsive in his cell.
“When his cell door was opened, Black suddenly leapt to his feet and started fighting multiple corrections officers and deputies while charging towards an exit door. Staff used force including a Taser to subdue Black, he was treated by jail medical staff and placed in a cell by himself for monitoring by medical and mental health staff,” the spokesperson said.
Later that morning, Christian started repeatedly banging his head against his cell door.
The corrections staff intervened and claimed he fought them again. A taser and pepper spray were used and Christian was placed in a restraint chair.
Christian went into cardiac arrest shortly after the second interaction and was transported to the hospital, where he later died.
His family said this doesn’t sound like their loved one at all.
“Very loving kid, 25. Loves sports,” Kenya said.
“He’s the most kind-hearted, he’s not violent, he is the most loving, he is my gentle giant, he was my protector and his sister’s,” Misti said.
“He would give anyone the shirt off his back, any day, any time, and that’s also why my son is named after him,” Christian’s sister, Chiara Black said.
The family did not share any plans of legal action on Tuesday, but they urged the sheriff’s office to be urgent and transparent in the investigation.
They said they would be patient, but their patience has a limit.
The sheriff’s office requested that the Dayton Police Department investigate since the corrections officers did use force, according to a previous News Center 7 report.
News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.
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