Jail Inmate Accused of Attempted Murder Escapes Through Ventilation System, Now Considered ‘Armed and Dangerous’

Inmate Accused of Attempted Murder Escapes Jail Through Ventilation System

An inmate accused of attempted murder made a daring escape from a jail in North Carolina by crawling through a ventilation shaft this week. John Matthew Nigh, 37, managed to elude authorities at Craven County Jail on Sunday, January 26, prompting a search to locate him. Nigh, who had been arrested at a residence in Hubert, two hours southeast of Raleigh, was originally wanted for charges in Pamlico County.

Upon the authorities’ initial arrival at the home, Nigh fled into the surrounding woods and even fired two shots at deputies before being apprehended. His subsequent disappearance from his jail cell on Sunday afternoon raised alarm bells. It is believed that Nigh dismantled a part of the ceiling, enabling his escape through the ventilation system to access the jail’s roof. Additionally, it is alleged that his cellmates aided in his escape by creating a decoy with a mattress, making it appear as though Nigh was still in his cell.

Currently, Nigh is at large and considered armed and dangerous, with a track record of arming himself during encounters with law enforcement. Prior to his escape, Nigh was facing a total of 30 charges with five court dates on the horizon. In a disturbing incident in June 2024, he was arrested for opening fire on officers from Onslow County Sheriff’s Department. He was due to appear in court on February 17 for charges including attempted first-degree murder, assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing an officer.

Authorities have urged anyone with information on Nigh’s whereabouts to contact the Craven County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement agency immediately. Nigh is described as a White male, 6’2” tall, weighing 190 pounds, with distinctive tattoos on his arms. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office has yet to provide additional details on the escape incident.

This daring jailbreak has not only raised concerns about the safety and security measures at the Craven County Jail but has also reignited discussions on the supervision and management of high-risk inmates. The escape of a potentially dangerous individual like Nigh underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring the confinement of individuals awaiting trial or serving time for serious offences.

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and complications involved in dealing with individuals with a history of violence and the importance of vigilance in monitoring their activities. As the search for Nigh continues, authorities are working tirelessly to locate and apprehend him to prevent any potential harm to the public or law enforcement officers.

The escape of John Matthew Nigh has sparked a sense of urgency and concern within the local community, prompting authorities to reassess security protocols to prevent similar events in the future. Vigilance and cooperation from the public are crucial in ensuring the safe capture of fugitives like Nigh and maintaining the safety of the community at large.