The Minnesota Department of Corrections is searching for a convicted sex offender who became a fugitive on Sunday after violating his parole, authorities said.

Douglas Lynn Peterson, 66, fled his supervision site at 27th Street and Fremont Avenue N. in Minneapolis, where he was living under intensive supervised release. In 2001, Peterson was convicted of criminal sexual conduct against known girls under 13 years old. He was released from prison on Nov. 5, 2014.

His criminal history includes several sex crime convictions.

Peterson is registered with the state as a Level 3 sex offender, a designation used for those among those most likely to commit another sex offense.

Residents who live near a Level 3 offender are notified at a public meeting when a person at that level moves in.

Peterson is described as white, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 182 pounds. Authorities believe he was last seen wearing a black coat with a gray hood and carrying a backpack.

Within the state, Peterson has ties to Blaine, Blooming Prairie, Golden Valley, Hayfield, Milaca, Minneapolis and Zimmerman. He also has ties to Arcadia, Fla., and Phoenix, Ariz.

Anyone who sees Peterson should not confront him, but call 911. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call the DOC's 24-hour tip line at 651-603-0026.

Liz Sawyer