Woman Suspected Of Setting Wendy’s Ablaze Arrested In Metro Atlanta

Who is Natalie White?

That’s the question that Atlanta investigators want to know after images of the woman were released by authorities over the past week.

White was arrested outside the law offices of her attorney on June 23 and booked with first-degree arson, according to the AJC.

“Our GCSO Fugitive Unit’s hard work paid off today when they located Natalie White today and notified US Marshals/Fulton Co Sheriff Fugitive Unit, who made the arrest. Great team effort!,” the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office tweeted. “We appreciate ATLFireRescue‘s great investigation, which led to the ID of this suspect.”

So far, police believe Natalie White is one of the people who started the massive fire at the Wendy’s restaurant on University Avenue on June .

That’s the day that people filled the streets after a police officer shot and killed Rayshard Brooks.

There was also a $20,000 reward for anyone with more information about the woman, according to police. It is unclear whether anyone will get to claim the money.

While the arrest brings to a close one of the more mysterious aspects of the unrest in the wake of the Brooks killing, many questions still remain about White.

Here’s What We Know About Natalie White So Far

The Atlanta Fire Department tweeted this announcement on June 20: “An arrest warrant has been issued by Atlanta Fire Investigators for Ms. Natalie White. She has been identified as a suspect in the arson fire that burned down the Wendy’s Restaurant (125 University Ave) on Saturday, June 13th. Call 404-577-TIPS or 1-800-282-5804 with any info.”

Police have released tons of footage of the Brooks arrest and subsequent shooting. In the dialog, Brooks can be heard telling an officer that “Natalie White” is his girlfriend.

“Natalie White, she’s my girlfriend … I can call her now,” he tells officer.

Could it be the same Natalie White? This is something that detectives are trying to figure out.

Meanwhile the Wendy’s has become a makeshift shrine and gathering place for the community. Many people have cardoned off the area and made it a no-passing zone.

Protesters are also reportedly demanding that White be released out of custody, although she is scheduled to be arraigned in the coming days.

Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

Tee Johnson: Tee Johnson is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AtlantaFi.com, Atlanta’s independent hyper-local publication focused on news, restaurants, events, jobs, neighborhoods, and lifestyle. A 15+ year Atlanta resident and longtime journalist and content creator, she covers Travel News, Events, Business, Hair Care, and Money with a practical, Atlanta-first lens. Before launching the site, Johnson worked as a substitute teacher in Atlanta Public Schools and later in corporate roles at Home Depot’s Vinings offices. A marketer by training with a degree in business management, she grew frustrated with the fragmented, hard-to-find information about what was actually happening in the city. That gap led her to create AtlantaFi as a curated, one-stop resource for the pulse of Atlanta—#ATLHAPS—without the national noise. Editorial decisions remain independent; the publication does not accept products, meals, or services in exchange for coverage. As Editor-in-Chief, she oversees original local reporting and curated practical guides that help residents, visitors, and businesses discover and engage with the city. Readers turn to her work for timely event roundups, dining and neighborhood insights, business and travel updates, and straightforward money and lifestyle coverage grounded in firsthand observation of Atlanta. A devoted lover of all things Atlanta, Tee enjoys pickleball, a good margarita or bourbon, and walking the Atlanta Beltline. She can be reached for editorial inquiries at tjohnson@atlantafi.com (serious inquiries only).

This website uses cookies.