A manhunt is currently in progress for John Matthew Nigh, a 37-year-old inmate who escaped from the Craven County Jail in New Bern, North Carolina, via the facility's ventilation system. According to authorities, the incident occurred on Sunday when detention officers discovered Nigh missing from his cell around 4 p.m.

Nigh, who has been charged with attempted murder among other offenses, managed to enter the ventilation system after his cellmates concealed his escape. They stuffed his mattress to create the illusion that he remained asleep, allowing him to escape unnoticed through a removed ceiling grating into a utility chase and onto the roof.

The Craven County Sheriff's Office has indicated that Nigh should be considered dangerous, given his history of armed confrontation with law enforcement. He allegedly fired on officers in June 2024 but fortunately did not hit any of them during that encounter. His open charges also include felony larceny and it is noted that he has been apprehended previously for serious offenses.

In conjunction with the Craven County investigations unit, state and federal authorities are actively pursuing leads concerning Nigh’s whereabouts following a statewide bulletin issued to law enforcement agencies. The sheriff's office is also conducting an internal review to address potential security lapses that facilitated the escape.

Nigh is described as being 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing around 190 pounds, and has specific tattoos, including a cross on his upper right arm and the initials "JMN" on his upper left arm. Anyone who might have information relating to Nigh’s escape is urged to contact the local authorities or the Craven County Sheriff's Office at 252-633-2357.

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