Name of Accused:
WELCH, STEVEN COLE
Date of Arrest:
10/19/2024
Charges For Arrest:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On 10-19-2024
I was dispatched to [100 BLOCK] Clara Drive in reference to a domestic dispute.
While en route I was advised by dispatch that the complainant [VICTIM ] had left the scene and was waiting on law enforcement at [200 BLOCK] Banning Road.
Upon arrival at [200 BLOCK] Banning Road I spoke with [VICTIM ] who advised me that she was involved with an altercation with her boyfriend Steven Welch. I asked [VICTIM ] to tell me what had happened. [VICTIM ] advised me that after a night of drinking in Newnan upon returning Steven had locked her out of the residence as a joke. [VICTIM ] advised me that Steven locking her out of the residence escalated into a verbal argument. [VICTIM ] advised me that Steven did unlock the door and allow her back into the residence. [VICTIM ] informed me that at this time Steven was intoxicated with alcohol and thought that if she allowed him to go to sleep without any further arguments then the situation would defuse.
[VICTIM ] then advised me that she then went into the kitchen to cook a hot dog in a black skillet because it was quick and easy. [VICTIM ] advised me that her cooking the hot dog angered Steven causing him to raise his voice at her. [VICTIM ] then informed me that Steven then stuck his head close to the flame that was under the skillet and began to yell at her about using the propane that he paid for. [VICTIM ] then informed me that Steven then grabbed her by the neck and threw her on the ground. [VICTIM ] then advised that Steven sat on top of her and strangled her with his hands preventing her from breathing. [VICTIM ] then advised that she was able to break free and she fled the residence and ran up the road to [200 BLOCK] Banning Road to call the police. [VICTIM ] also advised that Steven was riding up and down the road in an attempt to locate [VICTIM ]
I then looked at [VICTIM ]’s neck and I observed red marks on both sides of her neck along with a small cut on her left leg. The cut on her left leg was on her shin in the front approximately halfway up her leg. I also observed that [VICTIM ] did not have shoes on implying that she was in a hurry.
I then drove down to [100 BLOCK] Clara Drive where the incident occurred where other Deputies had made with Steven.
Upon arrival I spoke with Steven who denied ever physically touching [VICTIM ]. Steven then advised me that the argument was only verbal and that after requesting that she leave [VICTIM ] calmly left the residence. I then asked Steven how much he had drank that night to which Steven stated “half a bottle of whiskey and two to four beers.”. I then asked Steven if they were canned beers or not. Steven advised me that they were canned beers.
I then placed Steven into handcuffs and informed him that he was under arrest for aggravated assault.
[VICTIM ] then arrived on scene escorted by Deputy Cheatwood 30 so that she could get her belongings. I spoke with [VICTIM ] again and she advised me that she had audio recordings of the incident that she would send to me.
While on scene I observed several signs of a struggle. I observed grease stains on the kitchen counter and grease stains on the kitchen floor. I also observed that the skillet was not centered on the eye of the stove and slightly hanging off of the eye. I also observed a small pumpkin laying on the floor with its stem broke off and laying underneath the dining room table on the other end of the room. I also noticed that [VICTIM ] had left her phone on the counter implying that she was in a hurry.
I then transported Steven to Carroll County Jail. I then went back into service.
[End of Narrative]
