Skip to main content
Clear icon
11º

Wayne County Sheriff’s corporal dies after attack inside jail

28-year-old inmate accused of attacking corporal

DETROIT – A 50-year-old Wayne County Sheriff’s deputy corporal has died after being assaulted Wednesday at the Wayne County Jail in Downtown Detroit, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Late Wednesday evening, Corporal Bryant Searcy was attacked by a 28-year-old inmate. Searcy was taken to the hospital where he died. He was a member of the Sheriff’s Office since 2002. He leaves behind a wife and daughter.

The 28-year-old inmate remains in custody.

The Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement Thursday morning:

It is with heartfelt sadness and deep regret that the Wayne County Sheriff's Office announces the passing of Corporal Bryant Searcy. Searcy was hired as a police officer in November of 2002. He rose to the rank of Corporal and was currently assigned to Jail Division 2, located at 525 Clinton Street, Detroit.

On 9/2/2020, at approximately 10:00 pm., Corporal Searcy was attacked by an inmate at Jail Division 2. As a result of the ensuing struggle, Corporal Searcy was gravely injured. He was treated on scene by jail medical personnel and Detroit EMS. He was conveyed to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and died.

The suspect in the attack is a 28 year old male, and he remains in custody. The Detroit Police Department’s Homicide Unit will be conducting the criminal investigation of this matter. Corporal Searcy is survived by a wife and daughter. Our prayers go out for them. As of this time, there is no information on funeral arrangements.

Daniel Pfannes, Undersheriff Wayne County Sheriff's Office

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans released the following statement:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Corporal Searcy’s wife, Sherry, and their daughter during this horrific time. Words cannot express the magnitude of the loss and pain we feel today. A full investigation is underway, both internally by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and by the Detroit Police Department’s homicide unit. The attack on and homicide of Corporal Searcy is a jarring reminder of the danger the men and women in law enforcement face on every shift.”