Authorities searching for murder suspect mistakenly released from Martinez jail

MARTINEZ, Calif. (KGO) -- Authorities are looking for a murder suspect who was mistakenly released from an East Bay jail.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office said 20-year-old Isaiah Jamon Andrews of Kent, Washington, was released from the Martinez Detention Facility in Martinez on October 22.

The sheriff's office said Andrews was held on local charges, a juvenile warrant out of Sacramento, and arrest warrant for homicide in Seattle.

After Andrews was released, the sheriff's office launched a search for the suspect, but said he was no longer in the area.

Many people on the streets of Martinez couldn't believe the ongoing search for Andrews.

"I don't know what to say other than it's a huge mistake. Wow. How does that happen?" said Falisa Johnson.

He was supposed to be transferred to a jail in Washington.

The Seattle police chief responded to news of the mistake.

"I think sometimes people forget that it is a criminal justice system. Cops, courts and corrections is kind of how I always remember it. And although we did our due diligence, the courts and that part of the system however did not," said Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes.

Although Andrews was set free last Wednesday, news of his release wasn't made public until Monday.

The Sheriff's Office says the U.S. Marshals Service is now leading the search for Andrews, but local law enforcement agencies have also been notified.

Some were upset to learn of Andrews' release.

"I want to know what he looks like and all that stuff so I can just be aware," said Johnson.

Others were more understanding.

"Mistakes happen all the time. I've known people that have been released for many different charges, many different occasions. There's a lot of people in there. Human error, right?" said Richard McDonald.

But one thing everyone can agree on?

That they'll be looking out for Andrews.

"Most likely he's gone somewhere else. It's not like he's going to hang around here, he just got out of jail. He's gone," said Jody Rawleigh.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Andrews is asked to call 911 or the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office at at (925) 646-2441.