Law enforcement officials in Georgia are engaged in a major manhunt after three inmates, described as dangerous and potentially armed, broke out of a county jail east of Atlanta.
Details of the Jailbreak
The escape occurred in the early hours of Monday, 22 December 2025, at the DeKalb County Jail in Decatur. The facility is situated approximately 10 miles (16 kilometres) east of downtown Atlanta. The sheriff's office stated the breakout was uncovered during a standard security check later that morning.
Sheriff Melody Maddox issued a statement emphasising the seriousness of the incident. "We take this breach very seriously and are working diligently to ensure these individuals are safely returned to custody as quickly as possible," she said. Investigators have not yet released information on how the three men managed to escape.
Who Are the Escaped Inmates?
The fugitives range in age from 24 to 31. Authorities have identified them as follows:
- The youngest, aged 24, was being held on charges of murder and armed robbery.
- The two other escapees face a range of charges including armed robbery and arson.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office has warned the public that the men are considered dangerous and might be in possession of weapons. "The public is urged to exercise extreme caution and should not approach them," a spokesperson reiterated.
Ongoing Search Operation
A multi-agency search is now underway. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit is leading the operation, coordinating with patrol officers and other law enforcement bodies to track down the escaped inmates. The search is concentrated in the Atlanta metropolitan area and surrounding regions.
Residents in the area have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to the authorities. The incident has raised significant concerns about security procedures at the detention facility, with a full review likely to follow once the immediate crisis is resolved.
