A manhunt is currently underway following the escape of inmate John Matthew Nigh from a North Carolina prison. According to authorities, Nigh escaped through a ventilation housing and was assisted by two cellmates on Sunday, January 26.
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According to the
Craven County Sheriff's Office, it was around 4 p.m. that detention officers noticed Nigh was missing from his cell. A statement issued by the sheriff's office detailed that Nigh was "assisted by his two cellmates" and removed the ceiling granting of their cell. He then "entered a utility ceiling chase and exited the roof through a ventilation housing."To conceal his escape, his two cellmates stuffed a mattress and fooled the prison's security officers, making it appear as if Nigh was sleeping in his bed.
"Craven County Investigations Bureau and Special Investigations Bureau Deputies responded and began the investigation and search. The U.S. Marshall's Fugitive Task Force is also assisting," the statement continued.
Wanted
The sheriff's office detailed that John Matthew Nigh has had "past encounters with Law Enforcement Officers." During these, he was armed. According to ABC News, Nigh was arrested back in June 2024 after allegedly shooting at Onslow County deputies.
The
Onslow County Sheriff's Office reported that three police officers arrived at a residence in Hubert, North Carolina. The Pamlico County Sheriff's Office wanted Nigh on multiple charges. These included breaking and entering a motor vehicle, felony larceny, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. However, when deputies approached Nigh, he attempted to flee into a wooded area. That is when he fired two shots at the three deputies who arrived at his residence.Fortunately, Nigh did not strike any of the deputies present at the time, and they successfully apprehended Nigh. Police charged him with three counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of assault on a law enforcement officer by pointing a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer, and shooting within 500 feet of a dwelling.
Authorities described Nigh as dangerous. They instructed anyone with information to "call the Craven County Sheriff's Office at 252 633 2357. Alternatively, people can contact "their local law enforcement agency or 911." Nigh is 6 feet, 2 inches tall, weighs 190 pounds, and has a "JMN" tattoo on his upper left arm, and a cross on his upper right arm.
