By admin 
MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — UPDATE: At 9:30 am on Monday morning law enforcement officers were able to safely negotiate the release of 18 inmates and two guards who were held hostage at the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail.
Read more Gotham signs Australian striker Sam Kerr through the 2030 season
Another large group of inmates were safely released twenty minutes afterward, at 9:50 am. Officials are still working towards a peaceful resolution and full control of the facility.
“Our top priority is the safety of our staff, inmates, and the surrounding community,” said Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin. “We are coordinating closely with multiple law enforcement partners to resolve this situation safely and as quickly as possible.”
The general public is asked to avoid the area while operations are ongoing. There is no threat to the public.
Read more Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson reveals he has been diagnosed with ALS
Agencies that are assisting with the incident include:
- Bertie County Sheriff’s Office
- Martin County Sheriff’s Office
- NC SBI
- NC ALE
- NC SHP
- NC DAC
- FBI
- Hertford County Sheriff’s Office
- Chowan County Sheriff’s Office
- Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
- Granville County Sheriff’s Office
- Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office
- Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office
- Greene County Sheriff’s Office
- Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office
- Edenton Police Department
- Windsor Police Department
- Williamston Police Department
UPDATE: All correctional officers with the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail have been removed from the building and are safe.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with an active situation at the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has arrived to the jail to help.
Martin County Sheriff Drew Robinson assured the public on Facebook that there is no threat, as the issue is contained within the jail.
Read more Viktor Hovland wins Travelers in Monday playoff when Scheffler misses short birdie putt
The investigation is ongoing.