Jail inmate charged with starting fire

Published 9:23 am Tuesday, January 23, 2024

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WINDSOR – An inmate here at the Bertie/Martin Regional Jail is charged with causing a fire at the facility.

Hikeem Cooper

Bertie Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said an investigation into the cause of the Jan. 11 fire led to charges filed against Hikeem Abdul Cooper, age 29 of Williamston.

Cooper is charged with burning a jail/prison, which is a felony.

Ruffin said the Windsor Fire Department responded to the Bertie/Martin Regional Jail for the blaze. Upon their arrival, correctional officers had already extinguished the fire.

Bertie Sheriff’s Investigator R. Rascoe worked closely with Bertie/Martin Regional Jail staff and identified Cooper from Williamston as the person responsible.

The investigation revealed that Cooper stuck an object into an electrical outlet which cause the fire. There were no injuries.