North Carolina Inmate Accused of Attempted Murder Escapes Through Jail Ventilation System
Cellmates Stuffed Mattress to Create Illusion He Was Still in Bed, Authorities Say
A North Carolina inmate accused of attempted murder has escaped from the Craven County Detention Center after maneuvering through the facility’s ventilation system, according to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office.
John Matthew Nigh, 37, was discovered missing around 4 p.m. Monday. Authorities later determined that he had removed a grating, entered a utility channel, and made his way to the roof through a ventilation housing. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
According to the sheriff’s office, Nigh’s cellmates assisted in the escape by stuffing a mattress to make it appear as though he was still in bed.
Prior Arrests and Charges
Nigh, who previously served time for burglary in Craven County, was arrested in Onslow County last June for allegedly opening fire on sheriff’s deputies. He was booked into Craven County in December on additional charges of resisting police.
Authorities say that in June, Nigh fired a small-caliber handgun at Onslow County deputies as they attempted to arrest him on warrants related to breaking and entering into a vehicle in Pamlico County. No injuries were reported.
Following his escape, the U.S. Marshals Service has joined the manhunt, and a statewide alert has been issued to law enforcement agencies.
Inmate Considered Armed and Dangerous
Authorities warn that Nigh should be considered armed and dangerous.
“He was able to exploit a weakness in the facility’s infrastructure,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “His cellmates helped conceal his escape by making it seem as though he was still in his cell.”
Officials have not yet confirmed whether Nigh has an attorney representing him. Court records for both Craven and Onslow counties were not available as of Tuesday night.
Nigh’s escape raises concerns about security protocols at the Craven County Detention Center. The sheriff’s office has not commented on whether additional safety measures will be implemented in response to the incident.
Authorities urge anyone with information on Nigh’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.