From Chief P.K. Johnson
Millbrook Police Department
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, Millbrook Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 3400 block of Sandtown Road. Prior to the vehicle coming to a full stop, the vehicle’s passenger exited the vehicle, while still moving, fleeing into a yard and behind a nearby residence. Officers detained the vehicle’s driver, who was found to have a misdemeanor warrant and was subsequently placed under arrest upon confirmation of the warrant.
Assisting officers responded to the area of the traffic stop to conduct a search for the subject that fled the traffic stop. Shortly thereafter officers located a subject, later identified an Owen Long, a 42 – year-old, matching the description of the individual that fled from law enforcement officers, who was later positively identified and detained. Utilizing a drug detection canine, officers locating a bag containing various illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia, to include methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.
Pursuant to an investigation, Long was subsequently charged with Drug Trafficking (Methamphetamine), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Attempting to Elude and Failure to Appear/Comply/Pay (4 Counts). Long was transported to the Millbrook Police Department for processing and later transported to and placed in the Elmore County Jail under a $1,523,000.00 bond.
We are extremely pleased to announce this arrest, as our officers removed a significant amount of dangerous narcotics from our streets pursuant to this traffic stop and arrest. Our officers were conducting directed enforcement patrols at the time that this traffic stop resulting in the arrest was made. Our department was aware of activities in this particular area, which caused concern with regard to the potential for the presence of narcotics and other illegal activities to occur. As a result of that intelligence, officers were deployed with the directive to maintain a presence, conducting traffic enforcement, while addressing any violations observed, which is standard anytime law enforcement is aware of events, which may draw large crowds of people to a particular area or venue.
As a result of this enforcement operation, a total of (4) subjects were placed under arrest, with three of the individuals being charged with possession of illegal narcotics/drugs and one individual being arrested on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant held by this agency. A total of (9) traffic citations were issued, with (14) warning citations being issued as well.
During the time this operation was being conducted, our department received complaints that our police officers were making illegal traffic stops, performing driver’s license checks and unfairly targeting people that were participating in a function that was being held at a nearby community facility. While I addressed these complaints personally, I feel it necessary to respond publicly and as transparently as I possibly can. Our officers are dedicated to protecting the lives and property of all of Millbrook’s Citizens. Any time that we have reason to believe that there is a potential for illegal activities to occur, particularly when there is a concern for violence to occur, we make every effort to be present, engaging any criminal violations that we observe, enforcing the law as we’ve been tasked and sworn an oath to do.
As I stated this weekend, our police officers do not stop vehicles just because they feel like it. There must be probable cause, i.e., a violation observed. Once officers make that traffic stop, should they encounter any other violations of criminal law, they will enforce the law by making whatever arrest is appropriate. In short, if you’re not violating the law, you have no cause for concern regarding police presence. If you are violating the law, you should be very concerned, as our officers are charged with enforcing the laws of the State of Alabama and the City Ordinances of the City of Millbrook.
Our officers do an outstanding job, leaving their families day and night to protect the citizens of Millbrook. I appreciate their dedication and diligence in their efforts in doing so and am proud to stand by their side. I will not apologize, nor will I allow their unfair criticism for them keeping our community a safe place to live, which is our mission and job.
