MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- A canister containing a dangerous and lethal gas was stolen, officials told KPRC Local 2 Tuesday.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department said the 300-pound container of compressed chlorine gas was taken between midnight and 10 a.m. on June 29 from the Regional Water Corporation, located at 16705 Gleneagle Drive North.

Officials said thieves cut a whole in the fence behind the water treatment buildings and got into the plant. The canister was stolen from the second floor. Other damage was reported as well, including valves turned on and an electrical box broken into.

The stainless steel canister's contents are clearly marked in black letters on the side.

Investigators said kids or teenagers might have stolen the gas, not knowing what they actually took.

Deputies are concerned about the theft because if the gas is released, it can cause immediate death.

"It's very dangerous. If it's inhaled, it can cause immediate death. The gas tends to be very heavy and tends to stay low to the ground and accumulate in lower areas. It's very possible if somebody has this and they don't know what it is and they open the valve or break it somehow, or it falls over and ruptures, it could be very dangerous to people in the immediate area," said Lt. Norris with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 936-760-5800 or Crime Stoppers at 800-392-STOP.