Manhunt For 3 Escaped Inmates Underway In DeKalb

DECATUR, GA — Three inmates, including one arrested on murder charges, escaped from the DeKalb County Jail on Monday morning and have prompted a manhunt, authorities said.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office said the inmates should be considered armed and dangerous. They are actively being sought by the sheriff office's Fugitive Unit, authorities said.

It was discovered the inmates were missing during a routine security check, authorities said. Internal security teams then began searching for the trio and have partnered with other law-enforcement agencies for the manhunt, authorities said.

“We take this breach very seriously and are working diligently to ensure these individuals are safely returned to custody as quickly as possible,” DeKalb County Sheriff Melody M. Maddox said in a news release.

Authorities identified the inmates as follows (along with the charges they face):

• Stevenson Charles, 24, charged with murder and armed robbery.
• Yusuf Minor, 31, charged with two counts of armed robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
• Naod Yohannes, 25, charged with simple assault, arson and unlawful acts of violence in a penal institution.

"The public is urged to exercise extreme caution and should not approach them," police said in the release.

Authorities asked anyone with information on their whereabouts to call the fugitive tip line, (404) 298-8200.