Early on a calm morning, inmates at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor wrested control of part of the facility and held two staff members hostage before law enforcement moved in to end the standoff. Multiple agencies, including an FBI hostage team and a SWAT unit, cleared the jail and moved inmates while officials worked to piece together what happened and treat the injured.
The takeover began around 5 a.m., when a group of people in custody managed to overpower three guards, taking two of them hostage while a third escaped. Word traveled fast through the community as sheriff’s deputies and state and federal teams headed for the small detention center that holds pretrial and short-term inmates for Bertie and Martin counties. The facility normally houses about 88 people and has close to 90 beds, so the operation affected nearly everyone inside.
Local law enforcement confirmed that the incident lasted for hours and that specialized teams were called in to regain control. An FBI hostage team and a SWAT unit were among those who cleared the building and secured the scene after the takeover. “All inmates and staff are safe and accounted for, and those who sustained injuries received treatment,” the FBI statement . “Inmates were transferred to other facilities for housing, and the detention center will remain secured while personnel assess the extent of the damage.”
Three staff members were confronted during the incident, and two were taken captive while the third escaped and raised the alarm. Authorities later said the two released guards received medical treatment, though officials declined to detail the nature of their injuries. County leaders have been tight-lipped about exactly how the situation started while they focus on recovery and security assessments.
Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said investigators are still working through what led to the takeover and that more information will be shared when available. “Right now we have a lot going on that we’re trying to get under control,” he added, signaling a deliberate, controlled approach to releasing facts. Investigators will interview staff and inmates and review the physical space to determine vulnerabilities that were exploited.
‘The perpetrators must be held accountable for this horrifying action.’ That line echoed through public statements and social posts as officials demanded answers and accountability. The sentiment captured the anger and disbelief in the region while also underscoring the immediate focus on securing the site and caring for those affected.
Inmates were moved out of the facility after the scene was secured so teams could assess damage and restore order without endangering anyone else. The transfers were described as temporary housing moves while officials determine the next steps and ensure there are no lingering threats. Moving detainees during an active investigation is complex, and authorities said they would coordinate with receiving facilities to maintain safety and custody requirements.
On behalf of the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, please see the below update.
The situation at the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center earlier this morning has ended. The FBI SWAT, FBI Hostage Rescue Team, and @SBI1937 cleared the facility. All inmates and staff are safe… pic.twitter.com/o9OQ684Fmf
— FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) June 29, 2026
Local leaders stressed the need to strengthen staffing, training, and resources for county detention centers after the incident exposed major risks. “We also must do everything in our power to ensure this doesn’t happen again — and that includes doing more to recruit, retain, and compensate the county and state officials who are charged with keeping our jails and prisons safe,” he added. The comment reflects a longer-term conversation about jail funding and staffing that many rural counties across the state are already having.
Community members watched the response play out with concern, relief, and questions about what comes next for both staff and inmates. First responders and medical personnel focused on treating the injured and stabilizing the facility, while investigators took statements and collected evidence. Officials said they would release more details when the initial assessments and interviews are complete.
Officials emphasized that restoring safety and preventing future breaches is now the priority, and they asked the public to be patient as a full review proceeds. Those involved in the response praised the cooperation between local, state, and federal teams for bringing a fast end to a dangerous situation. Residents and families impacted by the incident were urged to follow official channels for updates rather than rely on rumors.
Investigators will continue looking into how inmates were able to overwhelm staff and exactly what led to the hostages being taken, with charges and disciplinary actions expected to follow. As the detention center remains secured for assessment and repairs, county officials will have to answer hard questions about staffing, procedures, and facility conditions. In the meantime, care for the injured and trauma support for staff and inmates will be part of the immediate recovery work.
“The perpetrators must be held accountable for this horrifying action,” Gov. Josh Stein (D-N.C.) on social media.
