Local law enforcement captured a man wanted on an outstanding child support warrant after a foot chase and search in Clarkesville Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, a transport deputy observed a “suspicious individual” with a possible warrant at 1:53 p.m. near Railroad Street Apartments and GA 197 South. When the deputy tried to approach him, the sheriff’s office said, “The man immediately fled on foot, pursued by the deputy.”
Sheriff’s deputies, along with Clarkesville and Demorest police officers, quickly established a perimeter around the area. Tracking dogs from the Baldwin Police Department and Banks County Sheriff’s Office, along with drones, were deployed to assist in the search.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old John Weston Welborn, was taken into custody at 2:27 p.m. without further incident, the sheriff’s office said.
In addition to the original child support warrant, further charges are pending.
Now Habersham filed an open records request with the sheriff’s office for information related to the arrest. On July 31, the sheriff’s office fulfilled that request. Records show Welborn had been arrested for child support violations at least six previous times. His record also includes previous arrests for alleged drug possession and DUI, theft by receiving, battery, probation violations, and traffic violations.
This article has been updated with new information regarding Welborn’s prior charges
