FROM CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Editor’s Note: The photo is taken from the suspect’s driver’s license and is not the mugshot.
On January 10, 2020, at approximately 3:56 p.m., Millbrook police officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Deatsville Highway and Dogwood Drive. While conducting their investigation officers detected what they believed to be the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle’s interior. The driver was asked to step out of the vehicle, at which point the driver pulled away from officers. The driver turned off Dogwood Drive and onto Redbud Road, at which point he abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. Officers were able to apprehend and detain the driver, later identified as Louis Ladarius Devonte Ledyard, a 26-year-old Montgomery resident. During his attempt to elude officers, the alleged offender threw a package out of the vehicle. When he abandoned his vehicle, Ledyard returned to where he threw the package and kicked it into a storm drain. Officers were able to contact the Millbrook Street Department, whose personnel were able to allow officers to access the storm drain where they were able to recover a package containing what appeared to be marijuana. Ledyard was placed under arrest, being charged with Attempting to Elude, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest and Tampering with Evidence. Ledyard was transported to the Millbrook Police Department for processing. He was later released on a $3,500 bond.
It seems like every other day people decide to come into this city, violate the law and when they come into contact with law enforcement they try to flee like cowards. We are extremely fortunate that this individual apparently wasn’t familiar with the area. When he fled officers conducting the traffic stop, he turned onto a dead-end road. Basically, there was nowhere for him to go. He had the presence of mind to make sure the drugs that he’d discarded made their way into the storm drain, while fleeing from officers. He was committed, I will give him that.
Unfortunately for this young man, one of our off duty police officers and his wife, who happens to be an officer in a neighboring jurisdiction, happened to be in the area, so they were able to assist pursuing officers. To add to the alleged offender’s problems, we’ve got a great working relationship with our city departments. Our Street Department responded and was able to allow our officers to gain access to the storm drain to recover the evidence that was discarded by the alleged offender, who was found to be in possession of a legally concealed firearm.
Hopefully people will eventually figure out that we have proactive officers that do an outstanding job. We work extremely well with other city departments and our citizens that are always willing to help when called upon, and you never know when one of our dedicated off duty officers and family will be handy to lend a helping hand. Odds are not in your favor and when you run……..your adding additional charges and most probably you’re still going to Jail tired!
