Hartselle Police Department

08/22/2026

HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER 🚔🤝

Hartselle Police Officers joined law enforcement agencies from across Alabama and Tennessee last night for the “Hands Across the Border” enforcement detail along U.S. 231 near the Alabama/Tennessee state line.

Our officers worked alongside numerous agencies on the Alabama side, while Tennessee law enforcement and Tennessee State Troopers conducted enforcement efforts across the state line.

Operations like this are a great example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together with one common goal — keeping our roadways and communities safe.

We’re proud of our officers for representing the Hartselle Police Department and appreciate all of the agencies and officers who participated.

Different agencies. Different jurisdictions. One mission — public safety. 🇺🇸🚔

08/13/2026

🚨PRESS RELEASE 🚨 KIDNAPPING ARREST 🚨

The Hartselle Police Department has arrested Preston Devontae Crutcher in connection with a kidnapping investigation stemming from an incident that occurred in Hartselle on August 11, 2026.

On August 11, Hartselle Police officers responded to a domestic-related incident involving Crutcher. During the investigation, officers determined that a female victim had allegedly been forced from a residence and into a vehicle while Crutcher was armed with a firearm. The victim’s infant child was with her at the time of the incident.

Hartselle Police immediately began working to locate the victims. Crutcher subsequently drove the victims to an area in the county, where he ultimately released them before fleeing the scene on foot. The Decatur Police Department located the victims shortly thereafter, and Hartselle Police Criminal Investigation Division personnel responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

Inv. Britt Parker obtained a felony warrant for Crutcher as agencies continued efforts to locate him.
On August 13, 2026, Crutcher was located in Lawrence County and taken into custody. He has been charged with:

Kidnapping in the Second Degree – § 13A-6-44, Code of Alabama
Crutcher’s bond has been set at $200,000 cash.

The Hartselle Police Department would like to thank the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Decatur Police Department, Trinity Police Department and the officers who assisted in locating and apprehending Crutcher.

This remains an active investigation, and additional information will be released when appropriate.

All persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/02/2026

🚨 MISSING / POSSIBLY ENDANGERED
PERSON 🚨

UPDATE: Anthony David Roberts Has Been Found Safe

We are happy to report that Anthony David Roberts has been located and is safe.

Thank you to everyone who shared the post, kept an eye out, and provided information. Your assistance and support helped spread the word and is greatly appreciated.

The successful use of Flock cameras lead to Mr. Robers being located by another agency in a different state. Those officers made contact with Mr. Roberts and determined him to be unharmed, alert, and not in distress.

Description:
• White male
• 39 years old
• 5'10"
• 215 lbs
• Brown hair
• Brown eyes

Anthony was last seen in Hartselle, Alabama, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Investigators have reason to believe his vehicle may now be in the Albany, Georgia area.

If you have seen Anthony or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the Hartselle Police Department immediately at 256-350-4613 or email [email protected].

UPDATE: A comment on another social media post indicates Anthony was possibly seen at Tractor Supply in Hartselle around 4:45 p.m. today, where he reportedly left with a female in a silver Jeep Patriot. This information is currently being followed up on by officers. This sighting has not yet been confirmed.

07/30/2026

Hartselle Police Department Seeks Public’s Assistance in Homicide Investigation 🚨

The Hartselle Police Department Criminal Investigation Division is requesting the public’s assistance in an active homicide investigation involving the death of Mark Glen Wardrop, a 59-year-old Hartselle resident.

On the afternoon of June 18, 2026, officers responded to a residence at the Hartselle Villa Apartments on Lane Road, where Mr. Wardrop was found deceased inside his home. The investigation has determined that his death was the result of homicidal violence.

Investigators believe Mr. Wardrop was last seen during the afternoon of June 17, 2026. Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen Mr. Wardrop or observed any suspicious activity in the area of the Hartselle Villa Apartments, or anywhere in the surrounding area, between June 16, 2026, and June 18, 2026, to come forward.

Anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, is encouraged to contact the Hartselle Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (256) 751-4915 or email [email protected]. Information provided by the public could be vital to the ongoing investigation.

This case has been investigated as a homicide from the very beginning. The timing of today’s release does not mean investigators just determined that fact. Homicide investigations often require investigators to withhold information while evidence is processed and leads are pursued. We are now asking for the public’s assistance because someone may have information that could help bring this case to a resolution.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. The Hartselle Police Department appreciates the community’s assistance as investigators work to bring justice for Mr. Wardrop and his family.

07/23/2026

🚨AMBER ALERT🚨

UPDATE: ALEA has cancelled an AMBER Alert.

07/17/2026

Please be advised that due to a traffic accident on Interstate 65 southbound near the 328 Mile Marker, traffic is currently at a complete standstill with no movement in the affected area.
The Hartselle Police Department is on scene abd actively working to manage the scene and safely clear the roadway as quickly as possible.
We ask motorist to avoid the area if possible, seek alternate routes, and remain patient while emergency crews perform their duties. Please do no attempt to drive around emergency vehicles or enter restricted areas.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to restore normal traffic flow.

07/16/2026

🚨 Our supermodel was in high demand today! 😎

We loaned our superstar, Sgt. Freeman, out for a few photo ops with the amazing Hartselle teachers during their scavenger hunt! 📸🗺️

Looks like our model cleaned up pretty well and had a blast helping out. We hope everyone had a great time—and good luck to all the teams! 🍎🎉

Thanks for letting us be a small part of the fun!

07/15/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT – BE AWARE 🚨

The Hartselle Police Department has received multiple reports today of individuals receiving fraudulent phone calls from someone claiming to be with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.

The caller may know your name, address, or other personal information and will claim you have:

* Missed Jury Duty
* Have an outstanding warrant
* Owe fines or fees
* Need to make an immediate payment to avoid arrest

One citizen reported receiving a call from (256) 502-4363, where the caller identified himself as a lieutenant with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office and claimed they had missed jury duty. When the citizen questioned whether it was a scam, the caller immediately hung up.

⚠️ Remember:
Law enforcement agencies DO NOT call people demanding payment for missed jury duty. They will never instruct you to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or other unconventional payment methods to avoid arrest.

If you receive one of these calls:

✅ Hang up immediately.
✅ Do not provide or verify any personal or financial information.
✅ Do not send money.
✅ If you are unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and contact the agency directly using a published phone number.

Please help us protect our community by sharing this post, especially with elderly family members, friends, and neighbors who are often targeted by these scams.

Stay alert and stay safe.

Hartselle Police Department 🚔

07/01/2026

🚫 Reminder: Fireworks Are Prohibited Within City Limits

City ordinance prohibits the discharge, possession, storage, sale, or distribution of any fireworks within the city limits. Violations are considered a misdemeanor and may result in penalties under the City Code.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe. 🇺🇸🎆🚔

06/24/2026

🐾 Canine Training Update 🐾

Officer Boyer and Chase are currently attending specialized canine training and continuing to build their skills as a team. The two have been working hard together, demonstrating dedication and commitment throughout the training process.

We are proud of their progress and look forward to the valuable asset they will be to our department and community.