Serial Arsonist, Burglar Arrested In Brookhaven: Police

BROOKHAVEN, GA — An Atlanta man accused of being a serial arsonist and burglar in Brookhaven and Atlanta is now facing several charges, police said Monday.

Brookhaven Police said officers have arrested Dillon Welch in connection to a string of burglaries, vandalism incidents and arson incidents.

The alleged crimes occurred between April 11 and April 29, mostly in the Executive Park and Buford Highway corridors, police said.

While investigating, police said detectives were able to identify Welch as a suspect and took him into custody on April 29. Police on Monday released body camera footage of the arrest and what appears to be related images and videos via Facebook.

They are accusing him of the following alleged crimes:

• April 11: Two high-end bicycles were reported stolen from a secured storage unit at an apartment complex in Executive Park South, police said.
• Also, on April 11: At Executive Park South, multiple vehicles were vandalized—windows shattered, mirrors broken and graffiti written in permanent marker. Police said surveillance footage captured a man matching Welch’s description in the area.
• April 28: Two separate vehicle fires were reported in the early morning hours at Executive Park. The fires damaged at least five vehicles. Witnesses described a suspect holding a lantern near the scene, police said.
• Also, on April 28: Security staff at a nearby medical facility reported suspicious behavior and vehicle tampering. Staff on scene saw a man attempting to open locked doors within the facility, police said. Additional vehicle damage was reported in the parking area.
• April 29: At a mental health treatment facility, police said Welch forced entry through a security gate and interior door. He then entered a staff kitchen while armed with a knife, police said. 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, police said.
• Also, on April 29: Officers responded to a commercial alarm at a pharmacy at the intersection of Buford Highway and North Druid Hills Road. They found forced entry to the glass storefront via a fire extinguisher, police said.

Welch was arrested on charges of multiple counts of first-degree and second-degree arson, multiple counts of first-degree and second-degree burglary, multiple counts of first-degree and second-degree criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, entering an automobile and tampering with evidence, police said. DeKalb County Jail records showed Welch was also charged with interference of government property.

He is facing additional charges in connection to arson and vandalism in Atlanta, police said.

“This case highlights the importance of thorough police work and collaboration,” Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley said in a news release.