A tense scramble is unfolding in Temple, Georgia, after an inmate assigned to a Georgia Department of Corrections work detail vanished this afternoon. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they discovered David Emsley Wheeles missing around 3:30 p.m., and within minutes, law enforcement launched an aggressive search in the vicinity of East Luke Drive and Highway 113.
According to officials, Wheeles was last seen wearing white pants and an orange shirt. The CCSO is asking anyone who spots a man matching that description — especially in the area surrounding Temple — to call 911 immediately. His most recent photo, set against a blue background, has been circulated to assist in identification.
The breakout occurred while Wheeles was on a work detail under supervision. The sheriff’s office says that during routine checks, deputies noted his absence and realized he had slipped away. In response, nearby roads were blocked, deputies and state agents joined the hunt, and residents in the area were placed on alert.
As of now, there’s no confirmation of foul play or whether he managed to acquire transportation. Authorities believe he may still be in the nearby rural areas or trying to blend into communities nearby. The terrain around East Luke Drive and Highway 113 is a mix of wooded stretches and side roads, complicating the search.
Local officials have acknowledged criticisms that updates have been slow to arrive. Some residents say they only learned of the escape via social media or word of mouth, not through formal channels. The sheriff’s office says they are coordinating with media, dispatch, and state agencies to improve communication as the situation continues.
Tonight, the search remains active. Officers continue to canvass homes, check roadways, set up checkpoints, and follow all leads. The community is urged to remain vigilant — if you see someone matching Wheeles’s height, clothing, or demeanor, dial 911 and do not approach.