EDENTON — Authorities have issued a critical public safety alert after an inmate escaped from the Chowan County Detention Center at approximately 8:10 p.m. Sunday evening.
The escaped individual has been identified as Charles Edward Babb, 23, of Elizabeth City, a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. See below for the crimes he’s been charged with.
Officials say Babb should be considered dangerous and potentially armed. He was last seen wearing an orange jail-issued jumpsuit and has a tear drop tattoo under his right eye. His last known location was near the Bridge Turn Exxon at the intersection of Queen and Broad streets in Edenton.
Law enforcement agencies are actively searching the area and asking residents to take immediate safety precautions. Community members are urged to remain indoors, lock all doors and windows, and avoid any attempt to approach or engage the individual.
According to Edenton Police reports, officers stopped Babb during a traffic stop on Oct. 21, 2025, at Pizza Hut, 100 Claire Drive, Edenton. During the traffic stop, officers found drug paraphernalia including buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid, a various devices used to consume drugs, in the vehicle. Babb was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Babb has several cases pending against him in Perquimans County and Chowan County courts. The cases range from operating a motor vehicle without having a current electronic inspection, and driving while license revoked.
Anyone who sees Babb or notices suspicious activity is instructed to call 911 immediately
One response to “Inmate Escapes Chowan County Detention Center; Public Urged to Shelter in Place”
[…] First, Charles Edward Babb, 23, of Elizabeth City, was apprehended Monday morning, soon after spending Sunday night in Marie Steinburg’s car on South Granville Street – see our stories here and here. […]