FROM CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
On Sunday, January 5, 2020, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Millbrook police officers responded to the area of Wade Street with regard to a subject brandishing a firearm towards passing vehicles. Millbrook 911 received a second complaint with regard to a subject with a firearm prior to arrival in the area. Upon arrival a responding officer was flagged down by a motorist, who advised that a white male pointed a rifle at her as she proceeded down Wade Street. As an officer approached the 3400 block of Wade Street he observed a male subject standing in a yard adjacent to the roadway holding a rifle. As the officer approached the individual in a marked patrol unit, the subject raised the rifle in the direction of the police officer. The officer exited his vehicle, drew his service weapon, identifying himself and ordered the individual to drop the weapon immediately. The subject complied and was detained without incident.
Officers discovered that there had possibly been some threats made against the man’s daughter, apparently stemming from a long-standing domestic dispute with her ex-boyfriend. The subject, later identified as Larry W. Troutman, a 66-year-old Millbrook resident, claimed he was defending his daughter. Troutman was placed under arrest, being charged with a single count of Menacing. His rifle was impounded as physical evidence and he was transported to the Millbrook Police Department for processing. Troutman was later released on bond.
This was a very intense situation and we are very fortunate that there were no injuries or loss of life as a result. I applaud our officer’s actions, as he maintained his calm and composure, relied on his training, and was able to de-escalate this situation without using deadly force. While it is my understanding that the individual in this case was concerned for his daughter’s safety due to possible threats that had been made toward her, we received multiple complaints that an individual was brandishing a firearm towards passing motorists in the area.
What concerns me the most is that the offender pointed a rifle at a fully marked patrol unit that was approaching him to investigate. It appears that this gentleman was challenging or threatening anyone that approached the area. This could have been a horrible tragedy for so many reasons. A passing motorist could have felt threatened and confronted this individual. This individual could have mistakenly fired at a motorist, or not complied with law enforcement when approached. Everyone involved in this satiation is extremely fortunate, as the Lord was watching out for everyone. I appreciate the citizen that initially reported this situation and our officers for handling a very tense and dangerous situation in a calm and professional manner.
