A large-scale manhunt is underway in Pamlico County, North Carolina, as law enforcement agencies from multiple counties search for a man who fled into a wooded area. Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed that the search began after a suspect involved in a high-speed chase with the Highway Patrol abandoned his vehicle in the Kennels Beach area and escaped on foot.
Authorities suspect the fugitive may be John Nigh, an escaped inmate from the Craven County Jail. However, Davis stated that officials are still working to confirm the suspect’s identity. A drone deployed during the search detected a heat signal in the Overlook Court East area, leading officers to focus their search there.
The search effort has drawn resources from multiple law enforcement agencies, including those from Carteret, Craven, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, and Pitt counties. The sheriff indicated that the search would continue overnight, with cooler temperatures expected to improve drone-based heat detection.
Due to the ongoing manhunt, at least two Pamlico County schools took additional security measures. Arapahoe Charter School went into lockdown shortly after 8:30 a.m., restricting students from going outside and barring visitors from entering the premises. Meanwhile, Pamlico Community College secured its campus as a precautionary measure in response to law enforcement activity in the county.
John Nigh, the suspected fugitive, escaped from Craven County Jail on January 28th. Authorities say he managed to break out with the help of cellmates by removing ceiling grating, accessing a utility ceiling chase, and eventually making his way onto the roof through ventilation housing.
Nigh is considered dangerous, as he was previously charged in the summer of 2023 for firing shots at three Onslow County deputies. The U.S. Marshals are assisting local law enforcement in capturing him. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of suspicious activity.