The Craven County Sheriff’s Office is searching for inmate John Matthew Nigh after he was found missing from his cell Sunday afternoon, officials said.

What You Need To Know

  •  Craven County Sheriff's Office said it issued a statewide alert for John Nigh after he escaped from his cell on Sunday, Jan. 26

  •  Nigh and his two cellmates removed the ceiling grate so there was a ventilation path to the roof, officials said

  •  Nigh had been arrested for attempted murder in 2024 after firing shots at deputies, the sheriff's office said

  •  Authorities warn that Nigh is dangerous and people should call 911 if they see him

Officials said Nigh, with the help of his two cellmates, removed the ceiling grate from their cell. Nigh climbed through the ventilation system and managed to get through to the roof, the sheriff's office said.

Related: Birthday jail break: $5K reward for N.C. man who escaped through air duct, officials say

His two cellmates hid the escape by stuffing a mattress to make it appear as if Nigh was sleeping in his cell, according to the sheriff's office.

The sheriff’s office issued a statewide alert for the inmate to all law enforcement agencies across North Carolina.

Authorities describe the inmate as a white male, 6’2”, weighing roughly 190 lbs. with the tattoo "JMN" on his upper left arm and a cross on his upper right arm.

Nigh was arrested for attempted murder in June 2024 by the Onslow County Sheriff's Office after he fired shots at deputies during an arrest operation, officials said. Nigh was held without bond given his criminal record and the severity of the charges he was facing, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities warn that Nigh has been armed in past encounters with officers and is dangerous. Anyone who knows information about Nigh’s whereabouts should contact Craven County Sheriff’s Department or their local authorities.