Urgent manhunt for dangerous inmate wanted for attempted murder who escaped through jail's ventilation system

An urgent manhunt is underway after a North Carolina inmate wanted for attempted murder escaped prison through a ventilation system. 

In a statement released by Craven County Sheriff's Office, prison officers discovered that John Matthew Nigh, 37, was missing from his assigned cell in Craven County Jail at around 4pm on Sunday. 

Following a search for Nigh, they determined that the prisoner, with the help of his cellmates, managed to remove a ceiling grating, enter a utility chase and exit the roof through a ventilation housing. 

Nigh's cellmates were able to conceal his escape by stuffing a mattress and making it look as if he was asleep. 

The sheriff's office said that a statewide 'be on the look-out' order was issued for the inmate to all law enforcement agencies in North Carolina.

'Craven County Investigations Bureau and Special Investigations Bureau Deputies responded and began the investigation and search. The U.S. Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force is also assisting', the sheriff's office said.

'Nigh has been armed in past encounters with Law Enforcement Officers and should be considered dangerous. Anyone having information about his whereabouts should call the Craven County Sheriff’s Office at 252 633 2357, their local law enforcement agency or 911.'

The inmate was described as a six-foot-two white male by the authorities. He has a tattoo of the letters 'JMN' on his upper left arm, and a cross on his upper right arm. 

Nigh had previously been arrested at a home in Hubert after being wanted for charges in Pamlico County. 

According to officials, Nigh had been approached by cops but fled out the door into the woods and fired two shots at three approaching deputies. 

No one was injured, but Nigh was arrested and taken into police custody. 

The inmate had a series of pending court dates, including attempted first degree murder.