The Brookhaven Police Department arrested a local man in connection to a string of crimes, including multiple acts of arson, burglary, and vandalism.
Dillon Welch of Atlanta is facing 22 charges in Brookhaven and additional charges in Atlanta. BPD described Welch as “having had many interactions with police” and “known to frequent the Cheshire Bridge/Buford Highway area.”
Between April 11 and April 29, Brookhaven police officers responded to a series of crimes in the Executive Park and Buford Highway corridors including two high-end bicycles reported stolen from an apartment complex storage unit, vandalized vehicles, vehicle fires, vehicle tampering, and forced entry at CVS on Buford Highway at North Druid Hills.
In one incident on April 29, Welch allegedly forced his way through a security gate and interior door and entered a staff kitchen at Skyland Trail, a mental health treatment facility, while armed with a knife. He was seen on surveillance video before fleeing the scene. Although no injuries occurred, the intrusion caused significant disruption and concern for staff and residents, BPD said in a press release.
“Following a comprehensive investigation with the assistance of community partners, detectives identified Welch as the suspect in these incidents. He was located on the evening of April 29 by a Brookhaven Police officer on patrol and taken into custody,” BPD said.
Welch was transported to the DeKalb County Jail where he was booked on multiple counts of arson, burglary, criminal damage to property; criminal trespassing, entering an auto, and tampering with evidence. He has been charged in connection to additional arson and vandalism cases in the City of Atlanta.
“This case highlights the importance of thorough police work and collaboration,” said Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley. “Thanks to the persistence of our team and support from our community partners, a dangerous individual is now in custody.”
Welch is described by BPD as 6-foot, 4-inches tall and 240 pounds. He was arrested in DeKalb County in 2023 for theft and 2024 for burglary and violating probation.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the BPD tip line at 404-637-0636.
