CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A prisoner enjoyed an unintended 30-minute break when he was mistakenly released from the Ross County jail today.

Dustin Deardurff, 19, of Wellston, was found by officers along E. Main Street, a couple of blocks from the jail, shortly after officials realized their mistake.

“The kid didn't do anything wrong,” said Sheriff Ron Nichols. “He didn't run from us. He was told he was free to go.”

A new corrections officer was told to release Deardurff, but the officer may not have understood or been told the man was to be released to waiting Hardin County deputies, Nichols said.

Instead, Deardurff was released with other prisoners being freed about 1:30 p.m. yesterday, Nichols said. An investigation is continuing.

Deardurff was arrested in Pike County on Friday on a warrant from Hardin County charging him with tampering with evidence.