*Update: Police say he’s been captured.
PAOLA, Kan. — The Paola Police Department is asking for the public’s help to find a violent sex offender who walked away from a work release program in Johnson County.
Jason Hale, 38, was last seen near a gas station along East 23rd Street in Ottawa.

Jason Hale
Before that, Hale was in the Gardner area where authorities say he purchased camping supplies, a bicycle and a “Jason” Halloween mask. He was also seen Wednesday at a bank in Paola.
Hale is being sought by the U.S. Marshals Office as well as law enforcement in Johnson County. Anyone who has information on his whereabouts is asked not to approach him and call 911.