A takeover at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in North Carolina has been brought under control by law enforcement officers, several hours after inmates overpowered correctional staff. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. on Monday, with 88 inmates and three guards inside the Windsor jail at the time. Inmates took two guards captive and a third guard escaped.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the facility was cleared by early afternoon, with all inmates and staff safe and accounted for. Those who sustained injuries have received treatment. Inmates from the 90-bed jail have been transferred to other facilities, and the site will remain secured while damage is assessed.
Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin reported that negotiations led to the release of the two captive guards, along with 80 inmates. The remaining eight inmates were eventually coaxed out of the facility. The two released guards were undergoing medical treatment, but details about their injuries were not disclosed.
Law enforcement officials entered the jail to regain control, but it is unclear whether lethal or non-lethal rounds were fired during the operation. The State Bureau of Investigation spokesperson, Chad Flowers, stated that most inmates complied and exited the facility upon entry by law enforcement. Gov.
Josh Stein has called for those responsible to be held accountable and emphasized the need to improve jail and prison safety.
