FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA – Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies are on the hunt for Christopher Lloyd Ray, a 29-year-old Jemison man who was accidentally released from the Shelby County Jail on Monday, Dec. 5 at 8:44 a.m.

According to the sheriff’s office, an error was made in the processing of Ray’s court documents resulting in his accidental release from custody. Ray was supposed to remain in custody pending release on bond for several traffic violations that occurred on Nov. 3 in another jurisdiction after the initial charge of probation violation.

The additional charges stem from public order crimes of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, speeding, driving with a switched tag and driving while having a revoked license.

Ray was initially arrested by the Calera Police Department in 2013 and charged third-degree burglary. Ray entered a guilty plea for the charge and was out of jail on probation when he incurred the traffic violation charges.

The error in processing was discovered until after Ray, who lists an address on Chilton County 118 in Jemison, was released from jail, according to a news release from the SCSO.

The SCSO is using all available resources to apprehend Ray and return him to the Shelby County Jail pending bond. No additional charges are anticipated as a result of this incident.

“We strive to provide professional law enforcement services to the citizens of Shelby County,” Sheriff John Samaniego said in a statement. “This seems to be a case of simple human error and appropriate corrective action will be taken to help prevent this situation from recurring”.