Inmates overpower guards, take control of Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center

BERTIE COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Multiple law enforcement agencies are responding after inmates overpowered correctional officers and seized control of the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center early Monday morning, according to the Bertie and Martin county sheriffs’ offices.

Officials said the incident began around 5 a.m. when inmates assaulted on-duty correctional staff and gained control of portions of the detention center.

At the time, 88 inmates and three correctional officers were inside the facility. One officer was able to escape shortly after the incident began, while two officers were taken hostage, authorities said.

Around 9:30 a.m., negotiations led to the safe release of the two hostage officers and 18 inmates. Officials said the officers were able to leave the facility without further injury.

About 20 minutes later, another large group of inmates was released from the detention center as negotiations continued.

Law enforcement agencies and detention center administrators remain on scene working to peacefully resolve the situation and regain full control of the facility.

“Our top priority is the safety of our staff, inmates, and the surrounding community,” Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said in a statement. “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 area while operations continue.

Officials said there is no active threat to the general public.

Agencies assisting with the response 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, the FBI and numerous local law enforcement agencies from across eastern North Carolina.

Officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.