Inmates seize part of NC jail, take two guards hostage

Inmates seized control of parts of a regional jail in eastern North Carolina early Monday, taking two guards hostage before a negotiated release ended the hours-long standoff. The incident began around 5 a.m. at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor, where 88 inmates and three correctional officers were inside the facility.

Authorities said inmates overpowered on-duty staff, assaulted guards, and gained control of portions of the jail. One officer managed to escape and alert authorities, while the other two were taken captive. A massive response from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies followed, with a secure perimeter established around the detention center. Officials assured the public there was no immediate threat to the surrounding community.

After several hours of negotiations, the two hostage guards were released safely around 9:30 a.m., along with 18 inmates. A second, larger group of inmates exited the facility shortly afterward. By early afternoon, Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said approximately 80 inmates had been removed from the jail and taken to a secure location. He stated that a small number of inmates remained inside as...