Authorities are on high alert: How a “dangerous” inmate vanished without a trace
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In a plot that seems ripped straight from a Hollywood thriller, a state’s community is on edge as a manhunt unfolds for a “dangerous” inmate who executed a daring escape from the Craven County Jail.
The escapee, John Matthew Nigh, managed to vanish without a trace, leaving authorities scrambling and residents locking their doors. What happened?
The Craven County Sheriff's Office has been working tirelessly since the discovery of Nigh's disappearance last Sunday afternoon.
"The inmate, assisted by his two cellmates, had removed a ceiling grating, entered a utility ceiling chase, and exited the roof through a ventilation housing," the sheriff's office stated. "The cellmates concealed his escape by stuffing a mattress, making it appear that he was sleeping in his cell."
The description of Nigh paints a picture of a man who would not be easily missed: a 6'2”, 190-pound white male with distinctive tattoos—a “JMN” on his upper left arm and a cross on his right arm.
But despite his conspicuous appearance, Nigh has managed to evade capture thus far.
The urgency of the manhunt is compounded by Nigh's criminal history.
Last summer, he reportedly engaged in a shootout with deputies from the Onslow County Sheriff's Office.
As they attempted to apprehend him in June 2024 for pending charges in another county, Nigh allegedly tried to escape and “fired two rounds from a small caliber handgun” at the officers.
Fortunately, no one was injured, and Nigh was arrested on multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder. resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer, and assault on a law enforcement officer.
The gravity of these charges underscores why officials are warning the public that Nigh should be considered dangerous.
His willingness to use a firearm against law enforcement suggests he may be desperate and unpredictable.
The US Marshals Fugitive Task Force has joined local authorities in the search for Nigh, and an internal investigation into the jailbreak is also in progress.
The escape has prompted a statewide alert, and law enforcement agencies across North Carolina are on high alert.
The incident has rattled the residents of Craven County and the surrounding areas, approximately 60 miles from Goldsboro. The community is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
In light of this escape, it's also a good time to review personal safety measures, such as ensuring all doors and windows are locked, installing motion-sensor lights, and considering a home security system if you don't already have one.
Also read: Georgia man sentenced to life for murdering wife
Have you ever experienced a situation where your community's safety was compromised? What steps do you take to feel secure in your own home? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
The escapee, John Matthew Nigh, managed to vanish without a trace, leaving authorities scrambling and residents locking their doors. What happened?
The Craven County Sheriff's Office has been working tirelessly since the discovery of Nigh's disappearance last Sunday afternoon.
"The inmate, assisted by his two cellmates, had removed a ceiling grating, entered a utility ceiling chase, and exited the roof through a ventilation housing," the sheriff's office stated. "The cellmates concealed his escape by stuffing a mattress, making it appear that he was sleeping in his cell."
The description of Nigh paints a picture of a man who would not be easily missed: a 6'2”, 190-pound white male with distinctive tattoos—a “JMN” on his upper left arm and a cross on his right arm.
But despite his conspicuous appearance, Nigh has managed to evade capture thus far.
A manhunt is underway in North Carolina for an inmate named John Matthew Nigh who escaped jail through a ventilation system. Image source: Craven County Sheriff’s Office / Facebook.
The urgency of the manhunt is compounded by Nigh's criminal history.
Last summer, he reportedly engaged in a shootout with deputies from the Onslow County Sheriff's Office.
As they attempted to apprehend him in June 2024 for pending charges in another county, Nigh allegedly tried to escape and “fired two rounds from a small caliber handgun” at the officers.
Fortunately, no one was injured, and Nigh was arrested on multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder. resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer, and assault on a law enforcement officer.
The gravity of these charges underscores why officials are warning the public that Nigh should be considered dangerous.
His willingness to use a firearm against law enforcement suggests he may be desperate and unpredictable.
The US Marshals Fugitive Task Force has joined local authorities in the search for Nigh, and an internal investigation into the jailbreak is also in progress.
The escape has prompted a statewide alert, and law enforcement agencies across North Carolina are on high alert.
The incident has rattled the residents of Craven County and the surrounding areas, approximately 60 miles from Goldsboro. The community is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
In light of this escape, it's also a good time to review personal safety measures, such as ensuring all doors and windows are locked, installing motion-sensor lights, and considering a home security system if you don't already have one.
Also read: Georgia man sentenced to life for murdering wife
Have you ever experienced a situation where your community's safety was compromised? What steps do you take to feel secure in your own home? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
