(DOTHAN, Ala.) On May 27, 2025, just after 5:00 pm, Dothan Police Communications Center received a call from a local hospital of a juvenile under the age of 12 being treated for a suspected gunshot wound in the lower body. As officers were responding to the hospital, it was reported the gunfire occurred on Kristie Road in Dothan. Officers responded to the area of Kristie Road to attempt to locate the crime scene. After an investigation, investigators were able to locate and charge Octavenious Thomas (36) of Dothan with Assault 1st degree, Attempted Assault 1st Degree, and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle. Thomas was placed in the Houston County Jail with bonds totaling $450,000.
The investigation found that two adult males were involved in a verbal altercation on Kristie Road. One of the males was Octavenious Thomas. The verbal altercation became physical and, as the male and the juvenile were in their vehicle leaving the scene, Thomas and another individual began shooting at the vehicle. The juvenile, who was not involved in the altercations, was struck twice, once in the lower body and a graze wound to the lower body. The juvenile was treated at a local hospital with non-life threatening wounds. Thomas was apprehended soon after the call was received and charged with the shooting. More arrests are possible.
This kind of indiscriminate violence will not be tolerated in the City of Dothan. Dangerous actions like these will have serious consequences. We are committed to working with the Houston/Henry County District Attorney’s Office to help prosecute individuals involved in violent crimes to the maximum extent allowed by law. We want to thank the members of the community who provided information during the investigation.
-Chief Will Benny
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