local
Inmates take control of jail after overpowering correctional staff
By Gigi Barnett, Amanda Alvarado at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) - Inmates took control of a jail for several hours after overpowering correctional staff in North Carolina.The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said 88 inmates and three guards were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center when the takeov...
Key takeaway The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said 88 inmates and three guards were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center when the takeover began around 5 a.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The recent jail takeover in North Carolina raises questions about the safety and security of correctional facilities in other parts of the country, including Texas. In Webb County, where Laredo is located, the community relies on the local jail to house inmates and keep the public safe. The incident in North Carolina highlights the need for constant vigilance and effective training for correctional staff to prevent similar incidents from occurring. Local authorities in Laredo should review their own protocols and procedures to ensure that they are adequate to prevent a takeover or other security breaches. The fact that negotiations were successful in resolving the situation in North Carolina is a positive note, and Laredo's law enforcement and corrections officials may want to study the tactics used to bring the situation under control without further violence.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) - Inmates took control of a jail for several hours after overpowering correctional staff in North Carolina.The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said 88 inmates and three guards were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center when the takeov...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gigi Barnett, Amanda Alvarado at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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