Cherokee County authorities are seeking the public’s help to locate a missing teenager who disappeared into wooded trails late Friday night.
David “Malakai” Jones, 17, was last seen walking alone into the trails at the end of Davis Mill Road at approximately 11:15 PM on September 12th. According to the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, Jones was wearing only camouflage shorts at the time of his disappearance.
The teen is described as 6’2″ tall and weighing 170 pounds with curly hair. His case has been entered into the GCIC/NCIC system as an official missing person report.
How You Can Help
Community members are urged to come forward with any information that might help locate Jones. The nighttime disappearance and limited clothing have raised concerns about his safety, particularly given potential overnight temperature fluctuations in the area.
“If you have been in contact with David, or know of his whereabouts, please contact your nearest law enforcement agency,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in their public alert.
Anyone with information should immediately contact:
- Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division: 770-928-0239
- Emergency services: 911
The Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Jones’ disappearance, but the search continues as authorities work to bring the teen home safely.
Community members are encouraged to share this information through social media networks to expand the search effort.

B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.