Fourth Employee Dies After October Escape Attempt At Pasquotank Correctional Institution
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A fourth employee has died, according to officials, after an escape attempt at Pasquotank Correctional on October 12th.
Geoffrey Howe, 31, was a maintenance mechanic for the former Correction Enterprises’ sewing plant at Pasquotank. Officials say Howe had only been with the Department of Public Safety since August of 2016.
“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the Howe family,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “This tragedy has horribly impacted the lives of four families., as well as co-workers and friends.”
Howe died from his injuries Thursday at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Governor Cooper issued the following statement on Howe’s passing:
“Geoffrey Howe was a valued member of his community and his workplace and he will be greatly missed. We send our heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones and wish for them comfort during this difficult time. We owe it to Geoffrey and his fallen coworkers to do all we can to keep an attack like the one that claimed their lives from ever happening inside our prisons again, and that’s what I’ve directed prison leaders to do.”
Officials say the prison remains on lockdown.
Update: October 30, 2017
Officials say a third employee that was injured during an escape attempt at Pasquotank Correctional Institution in Elizabeth City has died.
49-year-old Wendy Shannon passed away Monday evening at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital from injuries she sustained during the incident on October 12th.
“Our hearts are broken at the passing of Officer Shannon,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “Our deepest condolences go out to the Shannon family during this difficult time.”
Shannon started her career in the Department of Public Safety in October 2013 at Pasquotank.
Governor Roy Cooper also issued a statement Monday evening saying, “”I’m deeply saddened that this brutal attack has taken the life of Correctional Officer Wendy Shannon who was doing her job protecting the public. Our hearts go out to the victim, her family, friends and coworkers. Prisons and their employees help keep our communities safe, and I’ve directed state prison officials to take the necessary steps to improve prison safety.”
Officials say the prison remains on lock down.
Original Post: October 12, 2017
ELIZABETH CITY, NC – Two prison employees were killed and several others injured in an incident this afternoon at Pasquotank Correctional Institution in Elizabeth City.
Around 3 p.m., inmates started a fire in the prison’s specialty sewing plant, where about 30 inmates work for Correction Enterprises producing embroidered logo items, safety vests and other sewn items. The fire was extinguished. After the fire was set, several inmates attempted to escape but were not successful.
The prison is under control and locked down, with all inmates accounted for in multiple counts. Members of the Prison Emergency Response Team responded to Pasquotank CI from other state prison facilities and are assisting the local prison staff.
Governor Roy Cooper issued the following statement Friday evening following to incident:
“Those who work in our prisons do a difficult and demanding job that is critical to our safety. We’re grateful to these fallen prison employees for their service, and we offer our condolences to their families, friends, coworkers and community on this tragic loss.”
Pasquotank Correctional Institution currently houses 725 male inmates in close, medium and minimum custody.
Three other prison employees remain hospitalized in critical condition at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Seven prison employees were treated and released from Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City. Four inmates were treated for injuries.
The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Department, along with the State Bureau of Investigation, are investigating the incident.
