(DOTHAN, Ala.) On October 12, 2025, just before 4:00 pm, the Dothan Police Communications Center received reports of active gunfire in the Wiregrass Commons Mall. According to reports, it was at the end of the mall closest to the Spirit Halloween store. Before officers could arrive, there were reports someone had been shot in the upper body at least once. When officers arrived on scene, they began providing medical treatment to the person shot. The person shot, a male, was transported to a local hospital for treatment with no information on his current condition.
As more officers arrived on the scene, the Communications Center was receiving calls from several employees in the mall who were sheltering in place in their stores. A list of locations was gathered, and teams of law enforcement officers began clearing the mall to assist those sheltering in place. Officers conducted three separate searches due to the size of the mall. They were able to confirm that no suspects remained inside, and all employees were able to make it out safely.
Once everyone was evacuated from the mall, criminal investigators and crime scene technicians began their processing of the crime scene. It was confirmed quickly this was an altercation between individuals stemming from past incidents who began shooting. An individual was in a barber shop when multiple people came into the shop. There were comments made threatening violence to the person getting a haircut. There were more threats when firearms were retrieved. The person getting a haircut was also armed.
After several rounds were fired in both directions, one person was struck with gunfire. The male was one of the people who entered the barbershop making threats. No one else involved in the shooting or any bystanders were struck by the gunfire. Investigators continue to actively investigate this case and will aggressively follow any and all leads to identify any other individuals that were present.
Any time someone is injured by gunfire is a concerning incident. However, the place where this shooting took place was especially concerning. Citizens expect to be safe at places in and around the City of Dothan while shopping with their families. The Dothan Police Department will find those responsible for this chaos and hold them accountable. We want to be clear. There is no measure to how fast we will hold you accountable or how severe the consequences will be for committing acts of violence in this city. This is an ongoing investigation, and we will update the public with information as it is available.