FROM CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
On December 13, 2021, at approximately 1:26 PM, Millbrook police responded to 145 Kelley Blvd. (Walmart), with regard to a theft in progress. The complainant, an asset protection associate, advised responding officers that the suspect took assorted merchandise without remitting payment and was last seen leaving the business in a black Chevrolet Tahoe. An officer responding to the area observed the suspect vehicle and executed a traffic stop in the 1100 block of Highway 14.
The suspect exited the vehicle, fleeing southbound on foot. After a lengthy foot pursuit, which included the suspect running across the northbound traffic lane on I-65, the suspect, later identified as Jacob Warner Jr., a 40-year-old Montgomery resident, was apprehended underneath the I-65 overpass, adjacent to Highway 14. All property stolen from the business was recovered from the suspect vehicle, which was later determined to be contracted from Uber. Once it was determined the driver was not a party to the theft in question, he was released after being issued traffic citations not related to the theft.
Warner was transported to the Millbrook Police Department, where he was placed under arrest, being charged with Theft of Property 3rd Degree. Warner was processed and transported to the Elmore County Jail, where he remains under no bond pending warrants being obtained and served. Upon his release, Warner faces additional charges with the City of Millbrook for outstanding warrants, which are the result of previous thefts from Walmart.
Days like today are exactly why after 33 years in law enforcement, I never say I’ve seen it all. I can’t recall someone fleeing a crime scene via Uber. I want to commend every one of our officers involved. They responded to the area and set a tremendous perimeter once the suspect fled on foot. Several of our officers pursued this individual quite a distance prior to him being taken into custody. I am extremely proud of their effort and dedication that they displayed. They absolutely refused to let this individual elude them.
Also, we had a tremendous response from surrounding law enforcement agencies to assist our officers. I want to extend our appreciation to the Prattville Police Department, the Coosada Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, who responded to assist us today. We have an outstanding working relationship with our neighboring law enforcement agencies and today was a great example of that.
Eventually maybe visitors that persist in coming to our city to commit criminal offenses will learn, regardless of how you get here, Uber or otherwise, chances are you’ll be apprehended by law enforcement and at that point, we’ll take care of your immediate travel arrangements. We’ll provide your transportation to the Elmore County Jail.
