DeKalb County's fight against illegal tire dumping is making progress. Police have arrested 10 people since the launch of the Digital Shield safety initiative in late 2025, including a recent case involving more than 300 tires dumped overnight at Temple of Faith Apostolic Church.
The church on Glenfair Road woke up to find the massive pile of tires between March 21 and 22. The next morning, officers flagged down near Glenwood Road encountered Joseph Franklin driving a U-Haul carrying about 30 used tires. He was arrested on two counts of illegal dumping.
CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson introduced Digital Shield specifically to tackle illegal dumping in neighborhoods. While enforcement continues, police warn the problem persists. The financial and environmental burden falls on property owners left to clean up after dumpers.
