John Nigh, an inmate considered “dangerous” who is currently on the run after escaping from a North Carolina jail with the assistance of his cellmates, has a history of attempting to evade law enforcement. His past actions include an incident where he allegedly “fired two rounds from a small-caliber handgun at three deputies,” according to authorities.
Nigh, with a criminal record involving violent charges across various counties, is now the subject of a manhunt led by the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, and other law enforcement agencies after his breakout from the Craven County Jail on Sunday.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that Nigh, assisted by his two cellmates, managed to escape by removing a ceiling grating, entering a utility ceiling chase, and exiting through a ventilation housing on the roof, as reported by the Craven County Sheriff’s Office. To conceal Nigh’s absence, the cellmates created the illusion that he was still in his cell by stuffing a mattress.
“Nigh has been armed in past encounters with Law Enforcement Officers and should be considered dangerous,” it warned.
Nigh was reported missing on Sunday afternoon at the Craven County Jail.
In May 2024, Nigh was facing charges in Craven County including drug possession, resisting an officer and assault on an officer involving fentanyl exposure, according to WCTI.
The station reported that at one point, Nigh tried to escape from a Craven County Sheriff’s Office deputy while in custody and that he also has been accused of causing $200 in damage to property owned by the CarolinaEast Medical Center.
John Nigh is seen in June 2024 following his arrest by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. (Onslow County Sheriff’s Office)
Nigh is described as a White male around 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office said he has tattoos with the letters “JMN” on his upper left arm and a cross on his upper right arm.
