WINDSOR, N.C. — Two detention officers were taken hostage after inmates overpowered staff and seized control of the facility, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said.
The incident started around 5 a.m. on June 29 at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center.
Inmates inside the detention center assaulted on-duty corrections officers and gained control of parts of the building, officials said. During the takeover, a total of 88 inmates and three officers were inside the facility. One officer was able to escape while two others were taken hostage.
Around 9:30 a.m., responding law enforcement agencies were able to negotiate the safe release of 18 inmates and the two officers being held hostage without further injury.
Around 9:50 a.m., another group of inmates exited the facility after being released, as multiple law enforcement agencies and detention center administrators continued efforts to restore full control through a peaceful resolution.
Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said the incident concluded safely around 2 p.m. All inmates and staff were safe and accounted for, and those who were injured received treatment. Inmates were transferred to other facilities, and the detention center will remain secured while personnel assess the damage.
The SBI, along with the FBI, will continue the investigation.
This article, originally published at 11:38 a.m. ET, has been updated with additional information.
