All correctional officers have been released after inmates overpowered staff and took control of parts of the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center early Saturday morning, officials said.
Authorities said the incident began around 5 a.m. when they received a call that the jail had been taken over and that two officers were being held hostage.
Deputies secured the perimeter around the facility as local, state and federal agencies responded.
Officials said all officers have since been released and are receiving treatment. The extent of their injuries was not immediately known.
Law enforcement later made entry into the facility and began working to secure the remaining inmates. Officials said some inmates were negotiated with, while others were taken to a secure location. Treatment is being provided to inmates who requested it.
No fatalities have been reported.
More than 20 law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including the FBI, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and sheriff’s offices from across the region.
Officials said there is no immediate threat to the public and that the incident remains contained to the facility.
Authorities said updates will continue to be released throughout the day as progress is made. An investigation will also look into the care inmates received during the incident.
It was not immediately clear what started the takeover.
Authorities are working to restore full control of the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center after inmates overpowered correctional staff and took two guards hostage Monday morning, officials said.
The incident began around 5 a.m. when inmates assaulted on-duty guards and gained control of parts of the facility.
Officials said 88 inmates and three guards were inside the detention center when the takeover began. One guard was able to escape shortly after the incident started, while two other guards were taken hostage.
At about 9:30 a.m., negotiations led to the safe release of 18 inmates and the two guard hostages. Officials said the hostages were able to leave the facility without further injury.
Around 9:50 a.m., another large group of inmates was released and exited the detention center.
Law enforcement agencies and detention center administrators are continuing to work toward a peaceful resolution and full control of the facility.
“Our top priority is the safety of our staff, inmates, and the surrounding community,” Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said. “We are coordinating closely with multiple law enforcement partners to resolve this situation safely and as quickly as possible.”
Authorities have established a secure perimeter around the detention center and are asking the public to avoid the immediate area while operations continue.
Officials said there is no active threat to the general public.
Agencies involved include the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, FBI and several sheriff’s offices and police departments from across the region.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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