Jun 29

Jun 29 Greene county responds as inmates seize control of Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center

UPDATE:
(BERTIE COUNTY, N.C.) — The incident at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center earlier this morning has ended. The SBI and FBI have cleared the facility. All inmates and staff are safe and accounted for, and those who sustained injuries have received treatment. Inmates have been transferred to other facilities for housing, and the detention center will remain secured while personnel assess the extent of the damage. The public is asked to avoid the area as crews continue working to clear the scene.

Any additional information will be released as appropriate.

Previous Update:
SENT ON BEHALF OF BERTIE AND MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFFS

(BERTIE COUNTY, N.C.) — Around 5 AM this morning, inmates at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center overpowered correctional staff and seized control of the facility, prompting an immediate response from local, state, and federal authorities.

The inmates inside the detention center assaulted on-duty guards and gained control of portions of the building. At the time of the takeover, a total of 88 inmates and 3 guards were inside the facility. Shortly after the incident began, one guard was able to escape the facility, while two guards were taken hostage.

At roughly 9:30 a.m., negotiations led to the safe release of 18 inmates and the two guard hostages, who were able to exit the facility without further injury. Around 9:50 AM, another large group of inmates was released and exited the facility. Law enforcement agencies and detention center administrators continue to work toward a peaceful resolution and the restoration of full control of the facility.

“Our top priority is the safety of our staff, inmates, and the surrounding community,” said Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin. “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 immediate area while operations are ongoing. There is no active threat to the general public.

The agencies currently involved are: