From Chief P.K. Johnson
Millbrook Police Department
On February 11, 2025, Millbrook police responded to the 2800 block of Deatsville Highway with regard to a complaint of a vehicle theft. The complainant, Colby L. Smith, a 29-year-old Deatsville resident, advised that he parked his 2008 Kia Optima at his landlord’s residence on February 6, 2024 and that it had been missing for several days, further stating that there were no liens against the vehicle, nor had he given anyone permission to use said vehicle. Based on the victim’s complaint, officers completed a State Offense report for Theft of Property 1st Degree, with the vehicle being entered into a national crime database as stolen.
Millbrook detectives received a tip that the alleged victim, Colby, had parked his 2008 Kia at a relative’s residence in Hope Hull Alabama, at which time they suspected possible insurance fraud. Based on the information given, Millbrook detectives were able to locate the relative’s place of residence, where they found the alleged victim’s vehicle. While at the Hope Hull location, detectives would observe the alleged victim, Colby, leaving the relative’s residence in a separate vehicle. Detectives attempted to make contact with Colby, who fled from the area. Detectives positively identified Colby, so they declined to pursue him at that time.
Detectives were able to speak with Colby, via telephone, at which time he recanted the initial information given in his initial complaint, stating that he allowed an acquaintance to test drive his vehicle and that he had not returned the vehicle per their initial agreement. During their investigation, detectives discovered that on Sunday, February 9, 2025, the Prattville Police Department had attempted to stop the 2008 Kia Optima, which is registered to Colby, having observed a traffic violation. When Prattville police attempted to stop the vehicle, the vehicle refused to stop, continuing to I-65, where the Prattville Police Department terminated their pursuit. Prattville police obtained a warrant for Colby’s arrest for Attempting to Elude.
Pursuant to an investigation, Millbrook detectives developed probable cause that Colby filed a false report, claiming his vehicle was stolen in an apparent attempt to avoid prosecution by the Prattville Police Department for Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement. A warrant was obtained for Colby’s Arrest for Making False Report to a Law Enforcement Authority.
On February 14, 2024, officers with the Millbrook Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit were able to locate Colby at his residence, where he was taken into custody without incident. Colby was transported to the Millbrook Police Department, where he was processed and later transported to the Elmore County Jail, where he remains under a $1,000.00 bond.
This is the second case that our detectives have worked, in as many weeks, where a complainant has filed a police report claiming a vehicle was stolen and our investigation has revealed that the vehicles were not, in fact, stolen. These investigations take valuable time and resources to investigate, which would be better spent on cases where a felony crime was actually committed. Our detectives are tasked to investigate felony crimes, which are the most serious of the crimes reported to our department. Every moment spent investigating a false report takes away from cases that they could be actively investigating, which takes away precious time from cases where there are legitimate victims.
The Alabama State Legislature has, out of necessity, recognized that there have been entirely too many cases in our State where incidents like this have occurred, which has resulted in increased penalties and introduced provisions in the existing law where should alleged offenders be found guilty of Making a False Report to a Law Enforcement Authority, not only can they expect a fine and potential jail sentence, they may also be ordered to pay restitution for the cost a law enforcement agency expends investigating said case. I can assure our citizens, if you file a false complaint and an investigation reveals that it was done under false pretense, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and held accountable for your actions.
