Inmates stormed parts of an eastern North Carolina jail early Monday morning, overpowering correctional staff and sparking a tense hourslong standoff before law enforcement moved in and retook control.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, three guards and 88 inmates were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor when inmates seized control of parts of the facility around 5 a.m.
Authorities said that the early morning takeover happened after inmates assaulted on-duty correctional officers.
The takeover triggered a rapid response from local, state, and federal authorities, including the FBI.
According to law enforcement, the situation was largely resolved by early Monday afternoon.
“All inmates and staff are safe and accounted for, and those who sustained injuries have received treatment,” the bureau added.
Ruffin also revealed that the inmates took two guards hostage, while a third one was able to escape. Successful negotiations led to their release.
By approximately 9:30 a.m, authorities said negotiations led to the safe release of 18 inmates and two guard hostages. The group was able to leave the facility without suffering additional injuries. By roughly 9:50 a.m., another large group of inmates had been released and exited the facility.
Bertie-Martin Regional Jail is considered a medium-security level county jail that has a capacity of 90 inmates. It houses male offenders who are convicted of crimes that are punishable under state and federal laws.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein thanked law enforcement agencies for their work in resolving the takeover at the jail.
Stein also called for accountability and justice, while suggesting that more support is needed for jail personnel following Monday's incident.