ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo: Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in capturing Derek Holley this morning. (Photo by Sarah Stephens – EAN)
A pursuit this morning in Millbrook ended with a man identified as Derek Holley, 39, of Millbrook, being taken into custody and charged with Rape 1st Degree, which allegedly involves a 13-year-old victim locally. He faces a similar charge in Florida, according to reports.
Millbrook Officers knew Holley had an outstanding felony warrant, but when the officer attempted to stop a vehicle Holley was driving, he fled at high rate of speed, according to reports.
Holley reportedly lost control of the vehicle in the 4600 block of Oak Tree Road, driving through the yard of a residence and colliding with a boulder. Holley than allegedly abandoned the vehicle, leaving a 15-year-old female in the car. He then fled on foot into a wooded area, according to Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson.
Holley was driving a blue BMW Sedan at the time of this chase.
Responding officers quickly established a perimeter in the adjacent area where the suspect had last been observed. Law enforcement officers from the United States Marshall’s Service, Elmore County Sheriff’s Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Aviation Unit, and the Department of Corrections K-9 Unit responded to the area to assist in searching for the offender. He was eventually located in the 4500 block of Landward Drive after an extensive search.
Holley, who was apprehended without incident, was placed under arrest, being charged with Rape 1st Degree, Reckless Endangerment and Attempting to Elude. Holley was transported to the Elmore County Jail, where he remains under no bond, pending an Anaiah’s Law hearing.
“I want to thank all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies that responded to assist with the search and apprehension of this individual today,” Chief Johnson said. “Mr. Holley, who has an extensive criminal history, faces some very serious charges should he be found guilty of the most recent crimes that he’s alleged to have committed. Prior to our encounter with him today, he was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant issued for his arrest for the Charge of Rape 1st Degree, involving a thirteen-year-old juvenile. From speaking with our investigator’s, he was also wanted by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office on a probation revocation warrant, as well as being out on bond on an additional rape charge involving a juvenile that he is alleged to have committed in the State of Florida.”
Johnson continued, saying he and his officers are blessed to have great working relationships with area law enforcement.
“Today’s efforts are just another example of what occurs when multiple law enforcement agencies combine their efforts in safeguarding our citizens. Our community and those surrounding our city are safer tonight thanks to the efforts of the brave men and women who responded to this incident, participating in the search for and apprehension of this fugitive. To our officers, as well as our law enforcement partners who responded to assist, Thank You and Job well done!”
