How do i get my vehicle back that my friend was driving when he was arrested. they released it to me & took it?

My friend was driving my vehicle that is in my name. He was arrested. They impounded the vehicle. It was released to the car lot because i still owe 1100 on it.. i went to the car lot and paid 200 to get it back. i went to visit my friend in jail and the investigator came charging out there and told me the vehicle was not suppose to be released. they took me in for questioning and realized i knew nothing about my friends alleged crime.i told them my friend was thinking about buying it and i told him that he could drive it for awhile to see if he wanted it if he would make some of the payments. its been over 3 months. my vehicle is behind the jail. they didnt even send it back to the impound yard. i didnt know that they accidentally released vehicles. i need it back. i am planning on going to talk to the sheriff. im not sure how to go about it. please help!! I live in North Alabama.