A search is under way for an inmate who escaped a North Carolina jail through its ventilation system, police have said.
John Matthew Nigh, 37, was determined to be missing from the Craven county jail in New Bern, North Carolina, on Monday afternoon. Authorities say Nigh managed to remove a grating to wriggle into the ventilation system and onto the roof.
Nigh, who remains on the loose, was being held on attempted murder charges. Police say his fellow inmates attempted to conceal his absence after he fled.
“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,” said the Craven county sheriff’s office.
“The cellmates concealed his escape by stuffing a mattress, making it appear that he was sleeping in his cell.”
Information on Nigh’s whereabouts has been received by the sheriff’s office, which is following up on leads alongside state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The sheriff’s office said Tuesday that it has received information on Nigh’s possible whereabouts and is pursuing all leads. He “should be considered dangerous”, the office added.
Nigh was arrested in nearby Onslow county in June for allegedly shooting two rounds at police, though missing the targets. The officers were trying to take him into custody for several charges, including felony larceny.
