Search underway after Ontario jail releases inmate by mistake

Man released from Ontario jail by mistake The search for a man let out of jail by mistake in Ontario is ongoing, officials say.

TORONTO — Police in Halton Region say they are searching for a 28-year-old inmate of Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton who jail staff released by mistake on Monday.

Officers say Amritpal Singh Aujla was released from Maplehurst sometime on Monday.

Staff at the jail contacted police at 11 p.m. Monday to advise of the mistake.

Aujla left the jail on foot.

The Ministry of Solicitor General released a statement and says it is "working closely with the police service to assist in locating the offender."

"Upon determining the release, the ministry alerted Halton Regional Police Service. The ministry has launched an internal investigation," the statement says.

Peel police say Aujla is facing nine charges including, possession of stolen property, breach of probation, three counts of possession of a controlled substance (cocaine, heroine, metamphetamine) and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Aujla is described as a South Asian male, standing five-feet-ten inches tall, weighing 170 pounds.

Police say Aujla has black shoulder-length hair and a black beard.

He was wearing an orange turban, a blue Tommy Hilfiger tracksuit with a large Tommy Hilfiger crest on its chest and he was carrying a black backpack.

Ontario's Solicitor General says it is conducting an investigation into why Aujla was released.

Anyone who spots Aujla is asked to call 911 immediately.