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A manhunt is underway after a convicted domestic abuser was “mistakenly released” in Texas on Sunday afternoon.
Troy Dugas was shown out of the Harris County Jail in downtown Houston at about 4:30 p.m. after a paperwork error, according to local media reports citing the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
The 36-year-old was supposed to be starting a 5-year prison term, but instead walked free from the Harris County Jail after officials accidentally released him.
HCSO/X
The sheriff’s office shared Dugas’ mugshot on social media platform X, saying: “Please be on the lookout for Troy Dugas, 36. Deputies are searching for Dugas after he was mistakenly released from jail on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Please call 911 to report sightings.”
Please be on the lookout for Troy Dugas, 36. Deputies are searching for Dugas after he was mistakenly released from jail on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Please call 911 to report sightings. pic.twitter.com/KNsFDnjZxI
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) August 18, 2025
They added: “Dugas was due to begin serving a 5-year state prison sentence for assaulting a family member in Fort Bend County and a 2-year sentence for evading arrest in Brazoria County. He is a black male, 215 pounds, 6’1″.”
Newsweek has reached out by email to HCSO seeking further information and comment.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Anyone seeking help should call The National Domestic Violence Hotline, a free and confidential hotline available 24/7 that can be reached on 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. The Hotline also provides information on local resources. For more information, visit thehotline.org
