Police in Texas are asking for the public's help after they accidentally released a man who was supposed to be starting a five-year prison sentence.
Troy Dugas, 36, was set free Sunday at 4:30 p.m., according to a statement from the Harris County Sheriff's office. Police said that Dugas was supposed to begin a five-year sentence related to an assault on a family member. Instead, he was let go and the sheriff posted an update on social media asking the public to "Please be on the lookout" for Dugas.
NBC News reported that Dugas had been in the Harris County Jail since Aug. 14. Dugas was being held on other, local charges that were eventually dismissed, leading to his release.
"A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances that led to Dugas' erroneous release from jail," the sheriff's office said, according to NBC News. "Preliminary indications are that jail staff did not properly document his state prison sentence in his file, leading to the mistaken assumption that Dugas was eligible for release once his Harris County charges were dismissed."
Police described Dugas as a 6'1" 215-pound man, and said he has a tattoo on his neck. Authorities advised that anyone who is aware of his whereabouts or sights him to call 911.
