North Carolina Detention Center Incident: Inmates Seize Control, Hold Officers Hostage

Order was re-established at a detention facility in North Carolina on Monday after a group of inmates overpowered staff, held two officers captive, and gained temporary control over sections of the building, according to official reports.

The incident commenced around 5 a.m. at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center, located in Windsor. Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin stated that inmates assaulted correctional personnel on duty and subsequently took command of certain areas within the jail.

“Our primary concern is the safety of our personnel, the incarcerated individuals, and the surrounding community. We are working closely with numerous law enforcement agencies to bring this situation to a safe and prompt resolution.”

Two corrections officers were taken hostage during the event, while a third officer managed to escape, Sheriff Ruffin confirmed. A deputy arrived at the scene within two minutes of the initial alarm but was unable to gain entry to the facility. Law enforcement personnel quickly established a perimeter around the detention center.

At the time of the takeover, the facility housed 88 inmates and had three guards on duty.

Negotiations Lead to Safe Resolution

By approximately 9:30 a.m., negotiations led to the release of 18 inmates along with the two captive guards, all of whom were unharmed. Moments later, another significant group of inmates was released and exited the premises.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) then entered the detention center to manage the remaining 10 inmates. By roughly 2 p.m., the SBI announced that the facility had been completely cleared.

The agency communicated via social media platform X, stating, “All inmates and staff are secure and accounted for, and anyone who sustained injuries has received medical attention. Inmates have been transferred to alternative facilities for housing, and the detention center will remain secured while staff evaluate the extent of the damage.” The public was also advised to “avoid the area as crews continue working to clear the scene.”

Investigation Underway

Sheriff Ruffin added that investigators have not yet determined the specific cause or triggers for the incident. He assured the public that there was no ongoing threat to community safety.