CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. – Authorities in North Carolina are actively searching for John Matthew Nigh, an inmate who escaped from the Craven County Detention Center in New Bern via the building’s ventilation system.
Nigh was discovered missing from his cell on Sunday afternoon. The escape was facilitated by his cellmates, who reportedly removed a ceiling grating to allow Nigh access to a utility ceiling chase. From there, he is believed to have exited through the roof’s ventilation housing. To cover up his escape, his cellmates cleverly used a mattress to mimic the appearance of Nigh sleeping in his cell.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office has described Nigh as a dangerous individual, pointing to his history of being armed during previous encounters with law enforcement. He was previously arrested in July for allegedly shooting at deputies from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. Besides this, Nigh faces charges in Pamlico County for breaking and entering into a vehicle, larceny, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Nigh is described as a 6-foot-2 white male, weighing approximately 190 pounds, with distinctive tattoos: “JMN” on his upper left arm and a cross on his upper right arm.
Law enforcement officials, including members from the Craven County Investigations Bureau, Special Investigations Bureau Deputies, and the U.S. Marshals Service’s Fugitive Task Force, are diligently pursuing leads. Authorities have issued a statewide alert for Nigh, urging the public to report any information regarding his location to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office at 252-633-2357 or to call 911.
This escape has heightened security concerns and prompted a thorough investigation into how such an incident could occur at the detention facility. The community is advised to remain vigilant as the search continues.