EDENTON — An inmate who escaped the Chowan County Detention Center on Dec. 7, 2025, in Edenton was apprehended early Monday morning, Dec. 8, according to authorities.
At 8:10 p.m. Dec. 7, authorities issued a critical public safety alert after Charles Edward Babb, 23, of Elizabeth City, escaped from the Chowan County Detention Center, 100 Court St., Edenton.
Around 8 a.m. Monday, Edenton Police posted on Facebook that Babb had been apprehended.
See below for the crimes he’s been charged with.
Officials say Babb used a small hand-held edged weapon to force his way out of the jail and into the community. 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.
A resident of West Queen Street told the Albemarle Observer that they saw him run through their yard with police officers in pursuit.
Law enforcement agencies actively searched for Babb throughout the night, following up on reports of sightings and using information from community members.
“The swift resolution was possible thanks to the exceptional cooperation between law enforcement agencies and our vigilant community,” the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The agency noted that a full investigation into Babb’s escape will be conducted to ensure preventive measures are in place to prevent a recurrence.
Besides the sheriff’s office, those involved in the search included the State Bureau of Investigation, Edenton Police Department, NC Department of Adult Correction, Chowan County Emergency Management and Pasquotank County Emergency Management and Fire Department.
“Our Deputies worked tirelessly throughout the night with these partner agencies to secure the inmate and restore a sense of security to the public we serve,” the sheriff’s office said.
During the search, authorities asked residents to take immediate safety precautions. Community members were 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, and various devices used to consume drugs, in the vehicle. Babb was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Babb has several cases pending against him in Perquimans County and Chowan County courts. The charges in those cases range from operating a motor vehicle without having a current electronic inspection to driving while a license is revoked.
5 responses to “Escaped Inmate Apprehended”
Seems like this would have been a great use of the Chowan County emergency notification system. Maybe an intrepid reporter could investigate that.
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