Inmate Dies In Custody: Harford Sheriff

BEL AIR, MD — An inmate at the Harford County Detention Center has died, officials said. He suffered a cardiac arrest while en route to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Monday, the Harford County Sheriff's Office reported.

Michael Belt, 28, of Pasadena, was arrested on DUI charges last week, according to officials.

He was taken to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Monday after detention center personnel determined Belt — who was being monitored by medical staff at the detention center due to preexisting conditions — needed to be hospitalized for evaluation and care, officials said.

At 3:35 p.m., deputies at the detention center notified medical staff that Belt required assistance, according to the sheriff's office.

When Belt went into cardiac arrest, he was en route to the hospital with the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, authorities said.

At 5:05 p.m., officials reported he was pronounced deceased at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center.

Detectives and forensic investigators have collected evidence, and the Office of the Chief Medical was called to the hospital, authorities reported.

The Harford County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case, which is the department's policy.

Belt was arrested around 3:13 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, in the 1400 block of South Mountain Road in Joppa, court records show.

He was booked at the detention center on Thursday, July 26, and was being held without bail after a hearing on Friday, July 27, according to officials. Court records show he was found incompetent to stand trial July 26, and an evaluation was ordered to determine his competency.

File photo by Renee Schiavone/Patch.