Cache of guns, illegal drugs uncovered in Whitfield County

DALTON — An investigation into a “suspicious individual living in the Dawnville community” led to the discovery of a cache of guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition, illegal drugs and the arrest of a fugitive.

Michael Anthony Barr, 37, of 4979 Mitchell Bridge Road, was charged by the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office with possession of firearms by a convicted felon, unlawful possession of a sawed-off shotgun, unlawful possession of a silencer, possession and use of drug-related items and possession of marijuana. Additional charges are pending.

He is being held in the Whitfield County jail without bond.

About a month ago, the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office received information of a “suspicious individual living in the Dawnville community.” Officers were told the man was “heavily armed” and went by the fictitious name of Carlos Fonseca.

An investigation was initiated and surveillance was conducted on the home at 4979 Mitchell Bridge Road. During the investigation, officers determined the man’s real name was Michael Anthony Barr and that he was a fugitive from the Atlanta area where he is wanted on felony drug and weapon charges and probationviolation charges.

While officers were in the area conducting surveillance on Thursday, the suspect was seen leaving his residence and walking across the yard. Several officers went onto the property and arrested Barr without incident. A search warrant was then executed on the residence and property for weapons.