From Chief P.K. Johnson
Millbrook Police Department
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Millbrook police responded to the 200 block of Thornfield Drive, with regard to a theft in progress. Upon arrival, responding officers were advised that the victim observed his neighbor removing equipment from their property, via surveillance cameras. The residents observed (2) males place their property, which had been removed from their yard into a vehicle, leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Responding officers completed a police report for Theft of Property and left the scene, having completed their preliminary investigation and report.
Shortly after law enforcement left the victim’s residence, the two offenders returned to the victim’s residence, offering to return the property that had been stolen and allegedly taken to an undisclosed location in Montgomery. As officers returned to the scene, the (2) alleged offenders fled into a near-by residence. Officers were able to secure the perimeter of the residence, later making contact with and detaining both alleged offenders, later identified as Frederick L. McCoy, a 25 year-old Millbrook resident and Antonio M. Patterson, a 44 year-old Montgomery resident.
The scene was turned over to detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigations Unit.
Pursuant to an investigation, both offenders were placed under arrest, with each being charged with one count of Theft of Property 3rd Degree. Both individuals were transported to the Elmore County Jail under a $5,000.00 bond.
I am extremely pleased with the response of our officers and detectives involved in this case. Their prompt response and decisive actions allowed them to quickly establish a perimeter around the suspect’s residence, which allowed officers to apprehend the alleged offenders quickly and without incident.
It is my understanding, having spoken to our detectives, that Patterson became combative after being taken into custody, later assaulting a Correctional Officer at the Elmore County Jail, so he may face additional charges due to his actions there at the jail.
In today’s society, our citizens are more aware that security is of the utmost importance, with many people, such as the victims in this case, employing surveillance equipment to protect their property. They observed the crime as it occurred, notified law enforcement and we were able to respond quickly and efficiently, which led to the apprehension of these two offenders. The simple lesson here is as simple as God’s word, “Thou shalt not steal.” If you choose to do so, know that you may be being observed while doing so and there will be repercussions/consequences for your actions.
