From Chief P.K. Johnson
Millbrook Police Department
Tyler Paul, a 27-year-old Prattville resident, was placed under arrest Thursday, being charged with Burglary 3rd Degree, Theft of Property 1st Degree and Possession of Burglary Tools. Paul was processed and transported to the Elmore County Jail, under a $30,000.00 bond.
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, at approximately 2 a.m., Millbrook police were patrolling in the area of the 2000 block of Downing Street, when they observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of a storage facility. The officer encountered an individual, who claimed to be searching through dumpsters in search of discarded items. While conducting a field interview officers observed locks, which appeared to have been cut, in plain view inside of the subject’s vehicle. Upon further investigation officers determined that a storage unit appeared to have been broken into and items removed.
A detective from the department’s Criminal Investigations Unit responded to the scene to process the scene and collect evidence. Contact was made with the property owner, who confirmed that items located in the suspect’s vehicle were taken from the storage unit.
This is an example of outstanding police work. Our officers assigned to nightshift, beyond patrolling and responding to calls for service, are tasked with the responsibility of conducting patrols in the areas of businesses, most of which are closed, in their assigned coverage areas. Our officer observed a vehicle near a storage facility, where there would normally not be one at that time.
Upon closer inspection the officer observed the alleged offender, who he engaged in conversation to ascertain his reason for being there at that time of morning. While interviewing the alleged offender, the officer observed what appeared to be freshly cut locks inside of the vehicle, which also contained property that was later to be determined stolen property, that had been removed from one of the storage units.
Our detective was able to identify the victim in this case from items recovered from the alleged offender’s vehicle and was able to ensure that the recovered stolen property was returned to its rightful owner. In speaking with our detective, it appears that the alleged offender is wanted on an outstanding warrant for similar crimes committed in the state of Tennessee. We are currently working to assist that agency in their case at this time.
I’m extremely proud of the work done by all of our officers and detectives involved in this case. This is what they do on a daily basis, in protecting the lives and property of our citizens and I’m honored to serve alongside each and every one of them in serving the citizens of our community.
