From: Chief P.K. Johnson
Millbrook Police Department
On July 13, 2026, Millbrook police officers responded to Walmart with regard to a theft of property in progress. Walmart loss prevention personnel observed an unidentified female enter the business, walking throughout the business for several hours, concealing items inside of her purse and a bag that she obtained while inside the business. The female was also observed placing items into a shopping cart. The female proceeded through the self-checkout, where she scanned and paid for a limited amount of items that were in her possession. The female then passed the last point of sale, exiting the business without paying for multiple items, later determined to be in excess of $1,500.00 in value. The alleged offender, later identified as Brandy M. Barlow, a 43-year-old Prattville resident, was immediately detained and later placed under arrest by Millbrook police, being charged with Retail Theft 2nd Degree.
Ms. Barlow was transported to the Millbrook Police Department, where she was questioned by Millbrook detectives, processed and later transported to the Elmore County Jail, where she was later placed under a $15,000.00 bond.
This scenario plays out at retail businesses far too often, particularly at our local Walmart. No matter how many apprehensions and arrests we make and our best efforts to educate the public, people seem to have the mistaken impression that you can just walk into a retail business, take what you want and leave without paying.
As I’ve stated following previous apprehensions and arrests, most retail businesses employ a loss prevention staff, as well as utilize top notch surveillance systems to protect their property and business patrons. Of all our local retail businesses, Walmart has one of the most dedicated and well trained loss prevention staff, who are proficient at detecting persons engaged in theft. They work very well with our officers and detectives, not only in coordinating with us in facilitating the apprehension of offenders, but in providing quality evidence of these crimes in the form of surveillance camera footage of the crimes committed, as well as eye witness testimony during their prosecution.
Even if an offender is able to make it to their vehicle and leave the business, avoiding apprehension at the time of offense, know that the offense was captured on video, which will be turned over to law enforcement. Many times our detectives, with the assistance of our law enforcement partners in surrounding jurisdictions, as well as organizations such as Crime Stoppers, are able to identify these offenders and obtain arrest warrants pursuant to an investigation. Once signed, warrants don’t have an expiration date. Bottom line, if you steal property in our City, you will be apprehended, incarcerated and prosecuted. Today, tomorrow or next month, it’s just a matter of time.
