By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Authorities: Man tried to strangle deputy at jail
William Russell Wheelis
William Russell Wheelis

A Gainesville man is accused of trying to strangle a deputy at the Hall County Jail.

William Russell Wheelis, 52, had been arrested for loitering in East Hall about 1:30 a.m. Monday and was taken to the Hall County Jail.

“Once inside the jail, he became combative, refused to follow deputies’ commands and struck one deputy in his face then placed his hands around the deputy’s neck attempting to strangle him,” Hall County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Scott Ware wrote in an email.

Ware said Wheelis was subdued and booked into the jail.

Ware said the deputy had some superficial injuries and redness on his neck but was OK.

Wheelis faces a felony obstruction charge, two counts of misdemeanor obstruction and the loitering charge.

The alleged loitering incident occurred in the 3700 block of Old Cornelia Highway.

Where a new subdivision is being developed off Lake Lanier
04032025 FALCON 2.jpg
Construction crews prepare new single-family homes and townhomes currently going up Wednesday, April 2, 2025, off Chestatee Rd. near Bolding Mill in Hall County at the new Falcon Landing subdivision. - photo by Scott Rogers
A new housing development is springing up off the shores of Lake Lanier.
Read this subscriber-exclusive story

Keep reading this and other subscriber-exclusive stories! Click the button below to choose your plan.

If you believe you have reached this message in error, ensure you have logged in and then contact our customer care team

Subscribe now