Correctional Officer Justin Smith

October 12, 2017

Correctional Officer Justin Smith and Correction Enterprises Manager Veronica Darden were killed during an escape attempt from the Pasquotank Correctional Institute at approximately 3:00 pm.

Several inmates ignited a fire inside the prison’s Specialty Sewing Plant as a diversion. Prison personnel and responding fire department crews were able to bring the fire under control and prevent the escape.

Officer Smith and Correction Manager Darden succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. Three other corrections officers were flown to hospitals in Virginia in critical condition.

Officer Smith had served with the North Carolina Division of Prisons for five years.