local
Inmates take control of jail after overpowering correctional staff
By Gigi Barnett, Amanda Alvarado at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) - Inmates took control of a jail for several hours after overpowering correctional staff in North Carolina.The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said 88 inmates and three guards were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center when the takeov...
Key takeaway The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said 88 inmates and three guards were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center when the takeover began around 5 a.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The recent jail takeover in North Carolina raises questions about the safety and security of correctional facilities in our own community. While the incident occurred in a different state, it serves as a wake-up call for local authorities to review and strengthen their protocols to prevent similar situations. In Laredo , the city's correctional staff and law enforcement agencies must be vigilant and proactive in maintaining order and control within the jail system. The fact that 88 inmates were able to overpower correctional staff in North Carolina is a disturbing reminder of the potential risks and challenges faced by correctional officers. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that our local correctional facilities are equipped to handle potential security threats and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. The community will be watching to see how local authorities respond to this incident and what measures they will take to prevent similar incidents in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) - Inmates took control of a jail for several hours after overpowering correctional staff in North Carolina.The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said 88 inmates and three guards were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center when the takeov...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gigi Barnett, Amanda Alvarado at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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