(DOTHAN, Ala.) On January 30, 2026, just before 10:00 am, the Dothan Communications Center received several reports of a vehicle crash into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. When first responders arrived, they immediately attempted to check on the person in the vehicle that was now submerged in the pond. It was apparent soon after contact the victim was deceased. A closer inspection of the victim revealed a fatal gunshot wound. While stabilizing the scene, several witnesses reported a black male running away from the scene. As investigators worked to determine the details, the Dothan Police Department was actively searching the area for someone matching the suspect’s description. The victim, identified as Wesley Blake Bowen (33) of Dothan, was pronounced dead at the scene.
As officers were canvassing the area, officers came into contact with a black male on Stonewood Drive behind Farrah Circle that matched the description obtained from witnesses and surveillance in the area. The suspect was identified as Michael Tywuan Taylor (24) of Ozark, AL. Officers and investigators located a jacket and a handgun near where the suspect was located.
According to the preliminary investigation, Bowen and the suspect were en route to an unknown location with Bowen driving his vehicle. At some point, the suspect pulled out a firearm in a suspected robbery and shot Bowen. With Bowen incapacitated, the vehicle lost control and drove into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. The suspect has been charged with one count of Capital Murder-Robbery and is being held without bond. We want to thank the many members of the community who gave information that assisted in the capture of this individual.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bowen’s family and friends as they grieve. If anyone has any information about this case, they are encouraged to call the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3632, Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP, or give a tip anonymously online at P3TIPS.com.
-Chief William E. Benny
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