North Carolina authorities regained control of the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center after several inmates overpowered prison staff, held two guards and occupied part of the facility for several hours.

The incident began around 5 a.m. Monday at the jail in Windsor, according to Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin.

Inmates subdued guards and occupied sections of the prison

According to the authorities, the inmates attacked the correctional staff who were on duty and managed to take control of some areas of the detention center.

Two agents were held hostage and a third guard managed to escape.

The first officer to respond to the call arrived approximately two minutes after the initial alert, but was unable to enter the facility.

Authorities quickly established a perimeter around the complex.

At the time of the incident there were 88 inmates and three guards inside the center.

Negotiations allowed the release of hostages and inmates

Around 9:30 in the morning, a group of 18 inmates and the two detained guards were released without injuries after negotiations with the authorities.

Minutes later, another group of inmates left the facilities.

Subsequently, agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) entered the prison to regain full control and secure the remaining inmates.

At approximately 2:00 p.m., authorities declared the facility clear.

Authorities investigate what caused the incident

The SBI reported that all inmates and workers were located and remain under guard.

Those who suffered injuries received medical attention and the inmates were transferred to other prisons.

Authorities indicated that the prison will remain insured while the damage is assessed.

So far it has not been determined what caused the incident.

Sheriff Ruffin indicated that there was no threat to the community during the operation.