Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of an inmate they said escaped from his jail cell in Craven County Sunday afternoon.

John Matthew Nigh, 27, broke out of the Craven County Detention Center with the help of two cellmates on his birthday, Jan. 26, according to officials. Detention officers realized Nigh was missing at about 4 p.m.


What You Need To Know

  • Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of escaped inmate John Matthew Nigh

  • Nigh escaped from his cell on Jan. 26, his birthday, according to officials 

  • Nigh was 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

Anyone with information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2 or send tips via the USMS Tips app.

John Matthew Nigh (U.S. Marshals Service)
John Matthew Nigh (U.S. Marshals Service)

"Nigh has an extensive criminal history to include attempted murder of law enforcement, drugs and weapons charges," officials with the U.S. Marshals Service said, and should be considered dangerous. 

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.

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 has issued a statewide alert for the inmate to all law enforcement agencies across North Carolina.

Related: Man with attempted murder charges escapes from Craven County Jail

Authorities describe Nigh as being 6’3” and 175 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. He has “JMN” tattooed 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. Anyone who knows information about Nigh’s whereabouts should contact Craven County Sheriff’s Department or their local authorities.