A manhunt is currently active for John Matthew Nigh, a 37-year-old inmate who escaped from the Craven County Jail in New Bern, North Carolina, by maneuvering through the facility's ventilation system. According to the Craven County Sheriff's Office, Nigh's absence was noted by detention officers around 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon when his cellmates reportedly helped him remove a ceiling grating to escape.

Nigh was being held on multiple serious charges, including three counts of attempted murder, after allegedly firing at police officers in a previous encounter last summer. None of the officers were hit during the incident, but Nigh’s actions have raised red flags regarding his potential danger. The subsequent investigation revealed that Nigh's cellmates attempted to conceal his escape by making it appear as though he was still asleep in his cell by stuffing a mattress in his place.

Law enforcement agencies, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service, are actively pursuing leads related to Nigh’s whereabouts. The sheriff’s office has warned the public that he should be considered armed and dangerous, emphasizing that anyone with information should contact local authorities.

As investigators continue to follow possible leads, the sheriff's office plans to conduct an internal review of the events leading to this major security breach. This incident comes amid broader concerns about safety and security measures at correctional facilities.

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