Inmate mistakenly released from jail apprehended

CONCORD, N.H. (WHDH) -- New Hampshire parole officials say a suspect was mistakenly released from prison on Friday, but was quickly apprehended after committing a string of crimes.

Surveillance cameras outside a Concord Wal-Mart caught a man -- who police say is James Earl Rand -- attacking a woman, and running away with her purse.

According to the New Hampshire Parole Board, Rand skipped a step in the parole process, and was set free by mistake on Friday. After his release, Rand went on a crime spree, according to police.

Investigators say he first hit the Brix and Stix Company on Old Turnpike Road on Saturday evening and stole items which were later found in Rand's Concord home by police. The search came after Rand was arrested for holding up a Cumberland Farms Sunday night.

John Eckert, an executive assistant on the parole board, took full responsibility for the Rand’s release, and said he "feels horrible about" the situation.

Rand remains in jail and will be arraigned on Thursday morning on a long list of charges.

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