Inmate Escapes During Work Release In Monroe

MONROE (WWJ) - Authorities in Monroe County are looking for an inmate who apparently walked away during work release on Friday.

The Monroe County Sheriff says 27-year old George Wingle was working in the community near the Fraternal Order of Police Hall on Strausburg Road, just south of Custer Road, around 9:45 a.m. when he escaped.

Police say Wingle was last seen leaving the area in a red Ford Escape with a black cover across the front. He's described as a white male, 5'7" tall and 160 lbs. with short brown hair, a mustache with slight facial hair, and hazel eyes.

Wingle was wearing a red jail uniform at the time, however he dumped the clothing approximately a mile from the hall.

Wingle was serving sentence for violating probation after being convicted of stealing a financial transaction device and possession of narcotics. He was scheduled to be released in April of this year.

The Michigan State Police, Monroe City Police, and the Michigan Department of Corrections Absconding Recovery Unit are assisting with the search.

Anyone who thinks they've seen Wingle or with any other information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police at 734-243-7070.