WINDSOR — Around 5 a.m. June 29, 2026, inmates at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center, Country Farm Road, Windsor, overpowered correctional staff and seized control of the facility, prompting an immediate response from local, state, and federal authorities, according to a press release sent out on behalf of the Martin and Bertie county sheriff’s offices.

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 three 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 a.m., 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 Bertie County 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:

• Bertie County Sheriff’s Office
• Martin County Sheriff’s Office
• NC SBI
• NC ALE
• NC SHP
• NC DAC
• FBI
• Hertford County Sheriff’s Office
• Chowan County Sheriff’s Office
• Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
• Granville County Sheriff’s Office
• Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office
• Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office
• Greene County Sheriff’s Office
• Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office
• Edenton Police Department
• Windsor Police Department
• Williamston Police Department

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Please leave this field empty

Stay connected to what matters.

Get northeastern North Carolina’s most important stories delivered in your inbox every Friday.

One email per week. Unsubscribe anytime. Read our privacy policy for more information.

Welcome to the Albemarle Observer community! Thanks for subscribing! You'll receive our weekly newsletter every Friday morning with the stories that matter most in Northeastern North Carolina. Your first newsletter arrives this Friday. In the meantime, check out today's stories on our website. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.