On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, officers responded to a firearm assault in the 600 block of North Oates Street in downtown Dothan. An individual was located in the parking lot of a nearby business suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. The individual was identified as 28-year-old Shawn Maxmillion McDaniel of Headland. McDaniel and the mother of his children are estranged and have been for some time. McDaniel attempted to get the female to meet him, but she refused. The female was in the company of an acquaintance when they realized McDaniel was following them. While attempting to get away from McDaniel, they were stopped in traffic when McDaniel exited his vehicle and approached their vehicle armed with a large knife. The acquaintance, who was legally armed with a firearm, warned McDaniel to retreat at which time McDaniel swung the knife. The acquaintance fired the weapon at that time striking McDaniel in the face.
McDaniel sustained a major injury but was conscious and alert. He drove his vehicle to a nearby business where he summoned help. The female and her acquaintance drove to a separate nearby business where they reported the incident to authorities. This incident did not involve any of the businesses where law enforcement encountered them. This is on ongoing investigation and any possible charges are pending.
McDaniel was transported to a local hospital for treatment for the gunshot wound. He was then transported to an out-of-town facility for more specialized treatment. Currently, it is not believed his injury is life threatening.