BY CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
On December 31, 2021, Millbrook police responded to a subject reported shot in the 4500 block of Lakeshore Drive. Officers encountered the victim, Timothy Davis, a 43-year-old Millbrook resident, who stated that he was leaving the 3000 block of Boxwood Drive when several individuals fired towards his vehicle, as he was traveling eastbound towards Main Street. The victim stated that several rounds struck his vehicle, and that he’d been struck as well. The victim continued out of the area and drove to a family member’s residence, where police and medics were called for assistance. Davis was treated by Millbrook fire-medics and transported to Baptist South Emergency Room, where he was treated for his injuries.
Millbrook police responded to the 3000 block of Boxwood Drive, where a crime scene was identified and secured. The crime scene was turned over to detectives from the Millbrook Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit. During the subsequent investigation detectives were able to develop two suspects in this case and felony arrest warrants were obtained.
On January 19, 2022, a Millbrook police officer observed one of the suspects in the 4300 block of Maxie Drive, where the suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect, Demetri R. Pernell, a 29-year-old Elmore resident, was placed under arrest, being charged with Attempted Murder and Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle. Pernell was transported to the Elmore County Jail, where he remains under a $100,000.00 bond.
I’m pleased to announce this arrest, but our work on this case is not done. We’ve got a second suspect that we’re actively looking for at this time. I’m sure he’s aware that we have warrants for his arrest and he’s actively avoiding us right now. That’s a huge mistake, as warrants don’t expire, nor does distance prevent law enforcement from reaching offenders. These are serious charges. We will be working with our law enforcement partners to locate and apprehend the second suspect in this case. The best thing this individual can do is turn himself in. That’s the safest and best resolution for all parties involved.
This type of gun violence will not be tolerated in this city. We will make every effort and use every resource in our toolbox to identify and apprehend anyone that engages in this type of senseless violence. Far too many people in our society today reach for a weapon when they have a problem with someone. We are fortunate that we’re not working a murder case in this instance. Our officers will remain vigilant in patrolling the areas affected by this activity and we will vigorously pursue, apprehend and prosecute those engaged in violent activity.
