Press Releases

Gaston Correctional Center minimum custody inmate Montavious Miller (#0696992), who was reported missing from the facility on May 2, was captured in Chamblee, Ga. on June 12. Law enforcement officials returned Miller to North Carolina today, and he will be placed in a higher custody facility.

A Polk Correctional Institution inmate died after setting a fire in his cell this afternoon. The inmate set the fire at approximately 3:30 p.m. and was taken to a local medical facility for treatment. He was pronounced dead at 4:47 p.m.  The inmate’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The incident was contained to the inmate’s cell and staff extinguished the fire. No staff or other inmates were injured in the incident. DPS, local law enforcement and fire officials are investigating the incident.

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Caroline Riddick-Taylor as the new superintendent at Tyrrell Prison Work Farm in Columbia. Riddick-Taylor replaces Fentress Bryant, who retired.

Two incidents at Gaston Correctional Center are being investigated involving rules violations that occurred on June 27. Inmate Deway Caldwell (#0061973) was found in possession of alcohol. At approximately 11 p.m., another inmate was taken to outside medical for evaluation for a possible drug-related issue. He was returned to the facility.  DPS is currently investigating both incidents.  

At approximately 8:53 p.m. on June 22 at Albemarle Correctional Institution, inmate Tremayne Lynch (#0818126) assaulted a correctional officer by head-butting and biting him while being moved to his cell after a shower. Staff attempted to complete a cell search for contraband when the incident took place. Other staff restrained Lynch. There were no injuries to Lynch or other staff. The assaulted officer was taken to an outside medical facility, where he was evaluated and released with non-life threatening injuries.

At approximately 3 p.m. today at Bertie Correctional Institution, inmate Angel Phillips (#1164752) assaulted a correctional officer by striking him in the head and facial area with his fist. The officer was taken to an outside medical facility for evaluation for non-life threatening injuries. Phillips suffered minor injuries and was treated on site. No other staff were injured in the incident. 

Central Prison Unit Manager Brent Soucier (pronounced Sue-sher) remains in stable condition this morning after he was assaulted by two inmates on June 19. Inmate Jaquan Lane (#1449047) was returned to Central Prison last night after receiving outside medical treatment.  Andrew Ellis (# 0782014) remains in a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

At approximately 8 a.m. on June 20, two correctional officers were assaulted in a dining area incident at Central Prison. Early indications determined several inmates refused orders from staff. Two of the correctional officers who responded were both assaulted by one inmate who hit them with his fists. The situation was brought under control by other staff.   The injured correctional officers were taken to outside medical for treatment and were released. No other staff or offenders were determined to be injured during this incident.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. today at Central Prison, two inmates were involved in an assault on one correctional employee. Unit Manager Brent Soucier was assaulted with a homemade weapon and was taken to a local hospital for treatment for serious injury. Soucier, 44, has worked for DPS for 19 years. The two inmates involved in the assault were Jaquan Lane (# 1449047) and Andrew Ellis (# 0782014). Both inmates have been transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

On Tuesday, June 19 at approximately 2:00 p.m., an aircraft with the State Highway Patrol’s Aviation Section crashed during takeoff.  The crash occurred near the NCDOT hanger facility on Garner Rd in Wake County.  As the helicopter lifted off the ground, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, in which the rotor of the unit struck the ground.  As a result, the aircraft came to rest on its side.