Pentagon Force Protection officer arrested for distributing cocaine
ALEXANDRIA, Va. November 4th, 2022 An off-duty Pentagon Force Protection police officer was arrested last Friday, according to the Arlington County Police Department.
Detectives initiated a narcotics investigation after receiving information about a suspect possibly distributing cocaine in Arlington County. Officers identified Eric Welch, 33, of Alexandria as the suspect, according to a news release.
Welch was taken into custody on Oct. 28 in the 1300 block of South Scott Street after detectives saw him purchase narcotics for distribution, authorities said.
A firearm was also recovered at the scene.
Welch was arrested and Alexandria police charged him with two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed, police said.
A search warrant was carried out at Welch’s Alexandria home, where police reportedly found more narcotics and firearms.
He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.
Pentagon Force Protection Agency released the following statement about the arrest:
“The Pentagon Force Protection Agency is aware that an off-duty Pentagon Police Officer was arrested by the Arlington County Police Department on October 28, 2022. The officer was placed on administrative leave.”
Officer Welch has been with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency since February 2015.
This remains an active criminal investigation, Arlington police said.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180.
Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS.
