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Inmate mistakenly released from regional jail

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by 13News

13NEWS / WVEC.com

Posted on November 18, 2009 at 12:27 PM

Updated Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:27 PM

NEWPORT NEWS -- The search is on for a man mistakenly released from Hampton Roads Regional Jail, police say.

Christopher Devon Barrett, 23, of Newport News was freed on November 5, although authorities didn't learn of the mistake until Tuesday.

It was apparently the result of a clerical mistake by someone in Newport News Circuit Court.

He was behind bars on a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon and was being held with no bond at the facility in Portsmouth.

He was arrested on that charge on October 2, 2008.

Police consider Barrett armed and dangerous.

He’s known to frequent Newsome Park Townhomes, the 2900 block of Madison Avenue and the 1200 block of Hampton Avenue. His last known address was in the 400 block of Crescent Way in Mariner’s Landing Apartments.

One relative says he hasn't heard from Barrett.

"If he knew that he was wanted or that they were looking for him, I'm quite sure he'd do the right thing and turn himself back in," said Annette Westbrook. "It's not like he escaped.  It isn't like he took the key and let himself out.  That was their wrong doing."

If you can help police find Barrett, call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or text information to nocrime@nngov.com

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Comments: Displaying 1 - 2 of 2

hbrogan57 said on November 20, 2009 at 4:47 AM

And you ACTUALLY believe that he will turn himself in???? He KNEW he wasn't supposed to be released but said NOTHING. THAT shows you he probably will NOT just walk back in. They will have to catch him. What a jerk.

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knowmolyes said on November 18, 2009 at 7:34 PM

People seem to think that the folks at the jail just go in and let people out at will. Thats not the case. The jail workers are given orders from the courts. so why are the news people just hanging around the jail and not the courthouse? Very misleading.. Hopefully the young man will do the right thing and turn himself in to the authorities. It wasn't his fault he was released in the first place and being on the run is only going to make matters wosrt for him.

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