Authorities regain control of Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center after inmate takeover

BERTIE COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Authorities have regained control of the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center after inmates overpowered correctional officers and seized portions of the facility early Monday morning.

Officials said the incident has ended, and agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the FBI have cleared the detention center.

All inmates and staff are safe and accounted for, according to the Bertie and Martin county sheriffs’ offices. Officials said those who sustained injuries have received treatment.

Inmates have been transferred to other detention facilities for housing while the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center remains secured as personnel assess the extent of the damage.

Authorities are asking the public to continue avoiding the area as crews work to clear the scene.

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.”

Agencies that responded included 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 have not released information about what led to the inmate takeover. Additional details are expected as the investigation continues.