Whiteville NC – An inmate who managed to slip away from a transport vehicle in New Hanover County was swiftly recaptured Thursday afternoon thanks to a rapid coordinated response between regional law enforcement agencies.
According to a press release issued by Sheriff William. A. Rogers, the incident unfolded at approximately 3:30 p.m. on September 3, 2026. A Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) transport deputy was in the process of delivering an inmate to the New Hanover County Detention Facility when the escape occurred.
The transport deputy immediately alerted dispatch, prompting a rapid mobilization by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies flooded the area, established a containment perimeter, and initiated a search.
The manhunt was brief. New Hanover County deputies successfully located the fugitive and took him back into custody before additional responding units—including Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office deputies and backup personnel from CCSO—could even arrive on the scene. The inmate was safely returned to the New Hanover County Detention Facility, where he remains housed on behalf of Columbus County.
Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers praised the swift intervention of neighboring law enforcement.
“While this is certainly not the outcome we expect when transporting someone in our custody, I want to especially commend the outstanding response from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Rogers stated, thanking Sheriff McMahon and his deputies for their prompt assistance. He also acknowledged the immediate dispatch of units from Sheriff Chism and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Rogers noted that an internal administrative review is underway to evaluate transport procedures and determine whether protocol changes are necessary. Further details will be released as the review progresses.
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