Suspect Arrested After String of Church and Daycare Burglaries in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Georgia – Atlanta police have arrested a suspect connected to a series of burglaries and property damage incidents targeting churches and daycares across the city.

APD has released the video footage of the arrest:

According to investigators, between December 5, 2025, and January 6, 2026, nine incidents involving burglaries and damage to property occurred at several churches and daycare facilities in Zone 1 and Zone 4.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed multiple surveillance videos from the affected locations. The footage helped investigators identify a suspect, and a department-wide lookout was issued.

On January 19, 2026, officers assigned to Zone 4 were patrolling near 3144 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW when they spotted a man matching the suspect’s description. When the man noticed officers, he attempted to flee on foot.

After a brief pursuit, officers caught up with the suspect. Police say the man physically resisted officers before being taken into custody.

The suspect was identified as 32-year-old Arkeam McDowell.

McDowell now faces multiple charges, including eight counts of burglary, interference with government property, theft by deception, theft by receiving stolen property, and obstruction of law enforcement. Authorities have not released additional details as the case proceeds through the court system.