From: Chief P.K. Johnson
Millbrook Police Department
On July 13, 2026, at approximately 10:35 PM, Millbrook police stopped a 2002 Toyota Avalon for a traffic violation in the 100 block of Deatsville Highway. Upon making contact with the driver of the vehicle, the officer detected the odor of marijuana. The investigating officer requested an additional unit for assistance, at which time the driver fled the scene, continuing northbound on Deatsville Highway. The offender proceeded through Grandview Pines, returning to Deatsville Highway, proceeding southbound, turning westbound on Highway 14 and proceeded to I-65.
The offender proceeded southbound on I-65 to Cobbs Ford Road, where he exited, proceeding eastbound to South Edgewood Road. The vehicle continued to Edgewood Road, eastbound to Main Street, where he ran a red light, continuing eastbound on Coosada Road, prior to turning northbound onto Airport Road. The vehicle proceeded through the Broadmoor subdivision, turning northbound onto Pineleaf Drive, proceeding to Highway 14, turning westbound, proceeding to Ingram Road, turning northbound onto Ingram Road. The offender then turned onto Thornfield Road, continuing to the intersection of Thornfield and Tanglewood Court, where the vehicle pursuit terminated, at which point the offender attempted to flee on foot. Pursuing officers deployed a Taser device, at which point the alleged offender, later identified as Ethan L. Songao, a 20-year-old Millbrook resident, was apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.
A subsequent search of the alleged offender’s vehicle revealed the presence of multiple small plastic bags containing a plant material, believed to be marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia. Songao was checked by Millbrook paramedics and was cleared for transport, at which time he was placed under arrest, being charged with Attempting to Elude (Felony), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Songao was transported to the Elmore County Jail, where he would later be placed under a $32,000.00 bond.
We are extremely fortunate that this incident ended without this individual causing harm to himself or others. He fled from officers, placing himself and others in danger, rather than face the immediate consequences of his actions, which would have been much less had he just remained stopped and complied with officers. Now, should he be found guilty of the offenses that he’s been charged, he’s looking at possible incarceration, forfeiting his driving privileges, substantial fines and being a convicted felon. Not a good start for a young adult, who’s just beginning adulthood. Unfortunately, this young man is about to learn a very serious life lesson. Actions have consequences.
