Hostage Situation Unfolds at North Carolina Jail as Inmates Take Control
Inmates Overpower Guards at Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center
On Monday morning, inmates at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor, North Carolina, took control of parts of the facility after overpowering correctional officers and holding two guards hostage. The incident began around 5:00 AM local time, with 88 inmates and three officers present at the time. Reports indicate that the inmates assaulted the staff, leading to their takeover of sections of the jail.
Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin confirmed that his office received an alert regarding the takeover and the hostage situation. The first deputy arrived within two minutes but could not enter the facility. Additional deputies later established a secure perimeter. One officer managed to escape, while the other two remained captive, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Negotiations led to the release of the two hostages and 18 inmates by approximately 9:30 AM. Shortly after, a significant number of inmates were also released from the facility.
Authorities are responding to a prison takeover at Bertie-Martin Regional Jail in North Carolina after inmates reportedly overpowered guards, took hostages who were later released, and armed themselves. Law enforcement is working to regain control. pic.twitter.com/cWPQ4p0ZTc
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 29, 2026
Sheriff Ruffin later confirmed that all three correctional officers were safely out of the facility and receiving medical attention, with no fatalities reported. While the exact number of inmates still inside the jail remains unclear, the SBI stated that efforts to regain full control of the facility are ongoing.
"The safety of our staff, inmates, and the surrounding community is our highest priority," Sheriff Ruffin emphasized. He noted that they are collaborating closely with various law enforcement agencies to resolve the situation swiftly and safely. Agents from the SBI have entered the detention center to secure the premises and take remaining inmates into custody.
Concerns and misinformation regarding the treatment of inmates at the detention center were acknowledged by Sheriff Ruffin, who assured that these issues would be addressed once the situation is under control. A secure perimeter remains established around the jail, and the public has been advised to steer clear of the area. Authorities confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the general public, with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bomb Squad, present at the scene as efforts continue to resolve the incident peacefully.