Manhunt for North Carolina inmate who escaped from jail through ventilation system: Sheriff's office
A manhunt is underway for a North Carolina inmate who escaped through the jail's ventilation system, authorities said.
John Matthew Nigh, 37, was being held on attempted murder charges at the Craven County Jail in New Bern and "should be considered armed and dangerous," the U.S. Marshals Service said.
The Craven County Sheriff's Office said detention officers realized he was missing from his cell at 4 p.m. Sunday, and that his cellmates helped conceal his escape.
"A search determined that 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 said. "The cellmates concealed his escape by stuffing a mattress, making it appear that he was sleeping in his cell."
The sheriff's office said Tuesday that it has received information on Nigh's possible whereabouts and is pursuing all leads.
Agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service's Fugitive Task Force are assisting in the search.
Meanwhile, Nigh's cellmates -- Justin Matthew Axe, 32, of Havelock, and Timothy Lee Carawan, 35, of New Bern -- have been arrested and charged with aiding and abetting in the escape, the Craven County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday. Additional arrests are expected, it said.
The sheriff's office had said Tuesday it plans to conduct an internal investigation "as soon as possible regarding the events which led up to the escape" as well as determine a timeline.
"Detention Staff is also working with Craven County Maintenance to address security issues in the facility," the sheriff's office added.
Authorities warned that Nigh has been "armed in past encounters" with law enforcement, and the U.S. Marshals said he has an "extensive criminal history," including attempted murder of law enforcement, drugs and weapons charges.
Nigh was apprehended in June 2024 after allegedly shooting at deputies in Onslow County.
He was wanted on multiple charges out of Pamlico County, including felony larceny, and deputies had been attempting to take him into custody at a residence in Onslow County, authorities said.
Nigh allegedly fired two rounds at three deputies, none of whom were struck, authorities said.
He was charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a felon and other charges.
Nigh was described by police as being 6 feet, 2 inches and weighing 190 pounds. He has a tattoo of a cross on his right arm, the initials "JMN" on his upper left arm, "LIFE on his left leg and "TRIBAL" on his right shoulder, authorities said.
The U.S Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations have offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to Nigh's arrest.
