DECATUR, GA — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit and are actively searching for three inmates who escaped from the DeKalb County Jail early Monday morning.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office says the inmates were identified as Stevenson Charles, Yusuf Minor, and Naod Yohannes.

The escape was discovered during a routine security check, which revealed the inmates were missing, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office officials say.

Internal security teams initiated a search and are working closely with uniform patrol units to find the inmates.

“We take this breach very seriously and are working diligently to ensure these individuals are safely returned to custody as quickly as possible,” said Sheriff Melody M. Maddox.

The fugitives face multiple charges, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office says.

• Stevenson Charles, age 24, is charged with murder and armed robbery.

• Yusuf Minor, age 31, is charged with two counts of armed robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

• Naod Yohannes, age 25 is charged with simple assault, arson, and unlawful acts of violence in a penal institution.

Investigators believe the inmates may have had some help from the outside.

US Marshal Thomas Brown says they are interviewing a person of interest who may have helped the inmates escape, but they are laser focused on their search.

He says they are most concerned about Charles who was awaiting trial on state murder charges following a federal murder conviction.

However, all three inmates are considered armed and dangerous. They’re offering a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrests of the escapees.

Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Tip Line at 404-298-8200.