By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL/ Staff Writer

Chilton County car thief suspect Robert Acree, 30, was arrested Aug. 24 by Gardendale police after a 14-hour manhunt in Gardendale.

According to Chilton County Assistant Chief Deputy Shane Mayfield, Acree was wanted for about a month on outstanding domestic violence warrants, a protection from abuse order and a first-degree theft of property warrant.

“The stolen vehicle that was the basis for the TOP (theft of property) first (degree) warrant was recovered yesterday near where he fled from Gardendale,” Mayfield said on Aug. 24.

According to CCSO, the vehicle was a Dodge Charger stolen in July.

Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker said Acree is originally from Delaware, but has since moved to Florida and “ended up” in Alabama.

According to Walker, the Gardendale manhunt for Acree began late morning on Aug. 23.

“It was exhausting,” Walker said.

When detectives first encountered the suspect, Acree fled into a large wooded area near Gardenview Estates, Walker said.

The manhunt drew to a close late in the night when Acree accidentally “walked right up on patrol,” Walker said.

The foot pursuit then recommenced with the night shift patrol officers, and Acree was ultimately captured and taken into custody around 2 a.m. on Aug. 24.

Walker said the apprehension of Acree was met with some resistance.

“He was still trying to get away,” Walker said.

Acree is in the custody of Gardendale City Jail until the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office transfers him to its jail.

Mayfield said, “We have a hold placed on him, and whenever they release him, we will extradite him back here to face our charges.”