TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 31, 2025) – The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the death of 41-year-old Herman Eugene Williams of Hiddenite, who passed away Sunday while being held at the Alexander County Detention Center.

Williams had been sentenced earlier this month to 63–97 months in prison, plus an additional 150 days, and was awaiting transfer to the North Carolina Department of Corrections. His conviction stemmed from a December 24, 2024, police chase in Alexander County. Charges included felony eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, two counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, two counts of assault on a government official, felony habitual impaired driving, and multiple misdemeanor and traffic offenses.

Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances of Williams’ death. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to conduct an independent inquiry, which is standard protocol for in-custody deaths.

This is the second inmate death reported in the region on August 31, 2025. Earlier the same day, a 62-year-old man was found unresponsive at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office stated the case remains under active investigation and urged anyone with information to contact them at (828) 632-1111.