A hostage situation at a regional jail in eastern North Carolina concluded peacefully on Monday after correctional officers were held captive during an inmate disturbance, authorities confirmed.
The hours-long incident ended without any fatalities, and officials said all staff members and inmates were safely accounted for.
Emergency Call Triggered Massive Law Enforcement Response
The incident began at approximately 5 a.m. at the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail when the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency report indicating that inmates had taken control of the facility and were holding correctional officers hostage.
Speaking during a news briefing, Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said the first deputy reached the jail within two minutes of receiving the call.
However, the deputy was unable to enter the building because of the dangerous conditions inside. Additional law enforcement officers quickly secured the perimeter while tactical teams coordinated a response.
Three Correctional Officers Held During Disturbance
Authorities initially believed that two correctional officers had been taken hostage, but later confirmed that three staff members were involved.
According to Sheriff Ruffin, one of the officers managed to escape during the incident, while the remaining two were later released after negotiations and tactical operations.
All three officers were reported safe and were transported for medical evaluation and treatment.
Dozens of Inmates Removed as Tactical Teams Cleared Facility
As the operation unfolded, law enforcement evacuated approximately 80 inmates from the jail to reduce the number of people inside the facility. Only a small group of inmates remained as specialized tactical units prepared to enter and secure the building.
Sheriff Ruffin said officials engaged in negotiations with some of the inmates before SWAT teams moved into the jail, helping bring the confrontation to a peaceful conclusion.
Operation Concludes After Nearly Nine Hours
Authorities declared the situation under control at around 2 p.m., nearly nine hours after the initial emergency call. Officials reported only minor injuries during the response.
By the end of the operation, every correctional officer and inmate had been accounted for, and no inmates remained inside the jail.
Those evacuated during the incident were transferred to another secure location while authorities completed their search of the facility.
Jail Suffers Interior Damage During Response
Officials confirmed that the jail sustained structural and interior damage during the disturbance and subsequent tactical operation. Some of the destruction occurred as SWAT teams entered and secured sections of the building.
A full assessment of the damage will be conducted before determining the extent of repairs needed.
Investigation Focuses on Inmates Involved
Investigators have not yet determined exactly how many inmates participated in the disturbance. The Bertie-Martin Regional Jail houses individuals facing a range of criminal charges, from lower-level offenses to serious crimes, including murder.
Sheriff Ruffin declined to identify which inmates were believed to have taken part in the hostage situation while the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities Find No Immediate Threat to Public
Law enforcement officials said there was no evidence suggesting the disturbance had been planned in advance. They also emphasized that the incident never posed a danger to nearby residents or the wider public.
The investigation will continue over the coming days as authorities seek to establish how the disturbance unfolded.
State and Federal Agencies Join Investigation
The investigation is now being led with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Officials from both agencies are expected to interview witnesses, collect evidence, and examine the circumstances surrounding the hostage incident as they work to determine responsibility and prevent similar events in the future.
