Authorities have reported that three inmates, who may be armed and are deemed dangerous, have successfully escaped from a jail located in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

The escape took place early Monday morning from the DeKalb County Jail in Decatur, a suburb situated to the northeast of Atlanta. The inmates were facing serious charges, including murder, arson, and armed robbery.

In a social media statement, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office cautioned, “These fugitives could be armed and are considered dangerous. We urge the public to remain vigilant and refrain from approaching them.”

The inmates’ absence was noted during a routine security inspection, according to officials. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, in coordination with uniformed patrol teams, is actively engaged in efforts to track down and capture the escapees.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the escape of these three inmates from the DeKalb County Jail, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

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

The fugitives have been identified as 24-year-old Stevenson Charles, 31-year-old Yusuf Minor and 25-year-old Naod Yohannes.

According to the U.S. Marshals, Charles is considered “extremely dangerous” and was serving a life sentence at the time of his escape, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. 

A manhunt is underway after three inmates escaped from DeKalb County Jail early Monday. (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

Local authorities said Charles had been charged with murder and armed robbery. He has also been accused of child rape, specifically sodomy on a person less than 10 years old, kidnapping, carjacking, aggravated assault, weapons violations and probation violations, Fox 5 reported, citing U.S. Marshals.

He is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. According to U.S. Marshals, he has close ties to both Atlanta and Miami, the local station said.

Authorities urge residents to avoid approaching the possibly armed fugitives. (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)

The Sheriff’s Office added that Minor was charged with two counts of armed robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Yohannes was reportedly charged with simple assault, arson and unlawful acts of violence in a penal institution.

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

Fox News Digital reached out to U.S. Marshals for more information.