FROM THE MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
On Friday, March 29, 2024, Millbrook police officers responded to a report of multiple juveniles discharging a firearm in the 800 Block of Deatsville Highway. An off-duty Millbrook police officer, who resides in the area, also responded and was able to observe the juveniles, who fled from the 800 Block of Deatsville Highway, towards an apartment complex in the 400 Block of Deatsville Highway. One of the three subjects was observed discarding what was later determined to be a firearm, while fleeing from the officer, who was able to detain the three individuals at gunpoint.
Prior to the arrival of assisting officers, two of the three subjects fled the area on foot. The off-duty officer was able to detain the remaining subject and recover, what was later determined to be a handgun, which had been reported as stolen from a vehicle in the area, earlier this week.
A short time later, officers received information that the two individuals that fled had run into a near-by apartment in the 800 block of Deatsville Highway. Officers responded to said location, where they were able to apprehend the other two individuals, without incident or injury.
One of the three individuals in custody was identified as having possession of the stolen weapon, which had been confirmed as stolen through the Millbrook Police Department. That individual, a 15-year-old male, was placed under arrest, being charged with Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree. The offender was transported to the Millbrook Police Department, where he was processed and later transported to the Montgomery County Youth Facility, where he will remain pending an appearance in Elmore County Juvenile Court.
This situation ended as well as it could have, without it having not occurred at all. These young people were observed discharging what was later determined to be a stolen firearm in a field between two densely populated apartment complexes on Deatsville Highway. They fled from law enforcement officers, forcing an armed confrontation with pursuing officers. Thankfully, the individual that was armed dropped the weapon and our officers were able to apprehend them without incident, which is a testimony of their training and professionalism.
The three individuals involved range in age from 13 to 15 years of age. I can almost guarantee you that not even one of them gave a single thought that this situation could have ended their young lives had things went differently. Discharging firearms, fleeing from law enforcement officers, refusing to obey lawful commands during a highly charged situation……. This event could have ended with tragic results, which no one involved would want to live with. These are things that keep this 35-year veteran law enforcement officer awake some nights, as well as those who put the uniform on, leave their families each day/night and go out on patrol to protect and serve their communities. The Good Lord was most definitely looking out for all parties involved and for that I am extremely thankful.
This type of behavior is unacceptable from anyone, no matter the age group. That said, I implore parents, please educate your children. Obviously, no one should be in possession of a stolen weapon. No one, regardless of age, should be discharging a firearm recklessly in a populated area. No matter how young or old you may be, fleeing law enforcement, armed with a firearm and refusing to obey lawful commands when confronted with uniformed police officers, more often than not does not end well.
I was monitoring the radio as this incident unfolded. Our officers responded promptly and conducted themselves with the efficiency and professionalism that we have come to expect of the men and women that wear the uniform. I commend them for the way they handled this call. I am proud of each of them and grateful for their service to our department and the citizens that we serve.
