Authorities regain control of eastern North Carolina jail after inmate takeover
By Kelly Doty
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BERTIE COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — An eastern North Carolina jail has been cleared by state and federal authorities after inmates seized control of the facility and took two guards hostage early Monday, June 29.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) said in a 1:47 p.m. press release that all staff and inmates are safe and accounted for, adding that those who were injured have received treatment.
The situation began after inmates at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center assaulted on-duty guards and gained control of parts of the building, according to the SBI. At the time of the takeover, 88 inmates and three guards were inside the facility.
Soon after the incident began, the SBI said one guard was able to escape, while two other guards were taken hostage.
At around 9:30 a.m., the SBI said negotiations led to the safe release of 18 inmates and the two guards who were held hostage. About 20 minutes later, a “large group” of inmates was also released and left the facility.
Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said in an update that, along with the guards, about 80 inmates were removed, leaving only a few individuals inside the facility.
“The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has made entry into the facility and is working to secure and take the remaining inmates into custody,” Sheriff Ruffin said during a press conference later in the day.
The SBI said the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center will remain closed as staff assess the extent of the damage to the facility.
Inmates have been transferred to other facilities for housing, according to the SBI.
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