Off-Duty Pentagon Officer Arrested On Drug Charges In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — An officer with the Pentagon Force Protection agency was arrested in Arlington on drug charges after an investigation into cocaine distribution, according to the Arlington County Police Department.

Eric Welch, 33, of Alexandria was off-duty from his job as a Pentagon Force Protection Agency police officer, when he was arrested last Friday, police said Monday. Welch is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Welch was charged in Arlington with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed.

Detectives from the ACPD’s Organized Crime Section launched a narcotics investigation after receiving information about a suspect possibly distributing cocaine in Arlington. Detectives identified Welch as a suspect and obtained evidence that, according to Arlington County Police, said confirmed his involvement in narcotics distribution.

Welch was taken into custody last Friday afternoon in the 1300 block of S. Scott Street in Arlington after detectives observed him purchase narcotics for distribution. Police said a firearm was recovered at the scene of the arrest.

A search warrant was conducted at Welch’s residence in Alexandria, which resulted in the recovery of additional narcotics and firearms, police said.

Along with charges in Arlington, the Alexandria City Police Department charged Welch with two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed, police said.

Arlington County Police are asking anyone with information about the case that may help with their investigation to call them at 703-228-4180.