Prattville resident arrested for burglary, theft and possession of burglary tools

By Chief PK Johnson

Millbrook Police Department

Tyler Paul, a 27-year-old Prattville resident, was arrested Thursday and charged with third-degree burglary, first-degree larceny of property and possession of burglary tools. Paul was released on $30,000 bail and taken to the Elmore County Jail.

At approximately 2 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, Millbrook Police were patrolling the area of ​​the 2000 block of Downing Street when they observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of ​​a warehouse. The officer encountered a person who claimed to be searching through dumpsters looking for discarded items. During an on-site interview, officers observed clearly visible locks inside the subject's vehicle that appeared to have been cut open. Upon further investigation, officers discovered that a storage unit had apparently been broken into and items had been removed.

An investigator from the department's Criminal Investigation Division was on scene to examine the scene and collect evidence. Contact was made with the property owner who confirmed items that were in the suspect's vehicle were removed from the storage unit.

This is an example of outstanding police work. In addition to patrolling and responding to calls for service, our night shift officers are also responsible for conducting patrols in areas of businesses, most of which are closed, within their assigned coverage areas. Our officer observed a vehicle near a warehouse where one would not normally be located at the time.

Upon closer inspection, the officer noticed the alleged perpetrator and engaged him in conversation to find out why he was there at that time of the morning. While interviewing the alleged perpetrator, the officer noticed what appeared to be freshly cut locks on the interior of the vehicle, which also contained items later determined to be stolen that had been removed from one of the storage units.

Our detective was able to identify the victim in this case from items recovered from the suspect's vehicle and was able to ensure that the recovered stolen property was returned to its rightful owner. Upon speaking with our detective, it emerged that the alleged perpetrator was wanted on an outstanding warrant for similar crimes committed in the state of Tennessee. We are currently working to assist this agency with their case.

I am extremely proud of the work of all of our officers and detectives involved in this case. This is what they do every day to protect the lives and property of our citizens, and it is my honor to stand alongside each and every one of them and serve the citizens of our community.