Chaos erupted at a correctional facility in North Carolina today when inmates at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor overpowered staff members and took control of parts of the prison. The incident began around 5 am with three guards and 88 inmates present, leading to a swift response from local, state, and federal authorities, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
During the takeover, two guards were held captive while the third managed to escape. Negotiations eventually led to the release of the two guards and 80 inmates, leaving only eight inmates inside, according to Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin. The situation lasted for several hours until law enforcement officers entered the facility and regained control.
By early afternoon, the Bureau of Investigation and the FBI had successfully secured the facility, ensuring the safety and well-being of all inmates and staff. Those who sustained injuries received necessary medical treatment. The facility will remain secured as authorities assess the damage, and the inmates have been relocated to other facilities. Windsor, where the incident occurred, is located approximately 120 miles east of Raleigh.
Sheriff Ruffin mentioned that the two released guards are currently receiving medical care, but specific details about their injuries were not disclosed. He reassured the public that there was no danger to the general population. However, questions remain unanswered regarding why there were only three guards on duty during the incident and the underlying cause of the takeover.
Ruffin stated, “We are actively managing multiple aspects of this situation and will provide further updates to the public as soon as possible.”