Escapee Captured Within 12 Hours Following Multi-Agency Response

EDENTON – Sheriff Edward “Scooter” Basnight released an official statement on Dec. 12, 2025, detailing the Dec. 7, 2025, escape of inmate Charles Babb from the Chowan County Detention Center and the coordinated response that led to his capture within 12 hours.

According to the sheriff’s press release, the incident began at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, when detention officers contacted the Chowan Communications Center (911) to report an escape in progress.

The Escape

A detention officer was dealing with Babb when the inmate refused to comply with directions. He then presented himself as having an unknown weapon and threatened staff, according to the statement. Jail staff took refuge in a secured, separate area and contacted 911.

“The inmate then utilized available resources to gain access to the exterior of the building and escape,” Sheriff Basnight stated in the release, which appears below the story.

Immediate Response

Upon notification, Chowan County deputies, the Edenton Police Department, and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction responded quickly and began searching for the escapee.

The last verified location was at the Exxon on Broad Street, where Babb attempted to carjack a vehicle. After being unsuccessful, he fled on foot heading west on Queen Street at approximately 7:52 p.m. A perimeter was set by responding officers, and searches continued throughout the night.

Multi-Agency Coordination

A command post was established at the Public Safety Center to coordinate the search and response from various agencies involved. The coordinated effort included:

• NC State Bureau of Investigation agents with drone support
• NC Department of Adult Correction with K9 unit
• Pasquotank County responders including:
  • Pasquotank County Emergency Management
  • Pasquotank Sheriff’s Office
  • Pasquotank Fire Department (all with drones)
• Chowan County Manager
• Chowan County Emergency Management
• Town of Edenton Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager

Capture

“As a result of the quick response, cooperation of multiple agencies and inundation of resources to the area immediately following the escape, the escapee was pinned down in an area approximately .3 miles away,” the sheriff’s statement read.

Due to the diligence of the public, Babb was taken into custody without further incident within 12 hours of initial reports.

Charges and Investigation

The Sheriff’s Office and Edenton Police Department charged Babb with multiple offenses stemming from this incident.

“I am thankful for a peaceful resolution to this situation,” Basnight stated. “We will continue to conduct internal reviews and investigations in relation to this incident and the coordinated response around it, to ensure we are providing the highest level of law enforcement and accountability to the community we serve.”

Related Coverage

The Albemarle Observer has been following this story since Sunday evening. Previous coverage includes:

• Sheriff, Councilman Praise Edenton Police Chief’s Response to Escaped Inmate Crisis – Recognition from Sheriff Basnight to Chief LaFon at town council meeting
• The Unexpected Encounter: Ex-Senator Steinburg’s Wife Finds Escaped Inmate – Marie Steinburg discovers Babb in her car Monday morning
• Escaped Inmate Apprehended – Initial coverage of Babb’s capture