Category: Other

Corporal H. Heath

On June 3, 2025, Corporal Hunter Heath responded to a life-threatening emergency at the Dothan Elks Lodge, where an individual was found submerged in the deep end of the swimming pool. Without hesitation, Corporal Heath entered the water, descended to the bottom of the pool, and retrieved the victim before immediately initiating life-saving CPR.  His efforts continued until rescue personnel from the Dothan Fire Department arrived to assume medical care.

Tragically, despite his immediate and commendable efforts, the victim was later pronounced deceased. Corporal Heath’s actions demonstrated exceptional professionalism, decisive response, and an unwavering commitment to the preservation of life under extremely challenging conditions.  Corporal Heath’s actions exemplify the highest standards of dedication, professionalism, and commitment to duty that are hallmarks of the Dothan Police Department.

Officer S. Davis

On February 1, 2026, Officer Stuart Davis responded to a burglary in progress and quickly located a suspect attempting to flee through a drainage ditch behind the residence. Despite freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions, Officer Davis entered waist-deep water to pursue the suspect. The suspect was apprehended and later charged with Domestic Violence 1st Degree. His willingness to put himself at risk under dangerous conditions to bring a repeat offender into custody demonstrates exceptional courage, determination, and dedication to protecting the community.  Officer Davis’s courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to public safety exemplify the values and service excellence of the Dothan Police Department.

Officer M. Reed, Officer C. Mendheim, Corporal T. Davis, Corporal J. Ducker, Corporal B. Plummer, and Sergeant A. Broten

On September 10, 2025, officers responded to a highly volatile and dangerous situation involving an individual experiencing a mental health crisis who had barricaded himself, threatened violence, and indicated the presence of explosive devices. Officers quickly established a secure perimeter, evacuated nearby residents, and worked together to de-escalate the situation through communication and coordinated tactics.

Throughout the incident, each of these officers demonstrated exceptional courage, sound judgment, and unwavering professionalism under extraordinary circumstances. They provided critical support, maintained tactical awareness, and ensured the safety of fellow officers and the surrounding community during a high-risk encounter involving a potential explosive threat.

Their collective actions directly contributed to the safe containment and peaceful resolution of the incident, preventing what could have been a catastrophic outcome.  Their calm and disciplined response under extreme pressure serves as a testament to their dedication to protecting the lives of others, even at significant personal risk.

Through their professionalism, courage, and coordinated response, these officers exemplified the highest standards of service and dedication to public safety.

Officer K. Devine and Officer N. Huff

On December 21, 2025, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Officers Kayla Devine and Nicholas Huff were the first to respond to a critical medical emergency involving a victim suffering from a severe arm laceration with active arterial bleeding. Recognizing the life-threatening nature of the injury, they acted swiftly and applied a tourniquet, stabilizing the victim and enabling successful transport for advanced medical care.

Medical professionals later confirmed that their immediate actions were the determining factor in saving the victim’s life. In addition to their lifesaving efforts, both officers effectively secured the scene, overcame investigative challenges, and demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout the incident. Their quick thinking, skill, and dedication reflect the highest standards of law enforcement service.

Officer J. Yates

On November 23, 2025, at approximately 11:47 p.m., Officer Yates responded to a medical emergency involving a patient who had suffered a massive heart attack and was not breathing. Upon arriving within minutes, Officer Yates immediately began CPR. His prompt response and decisive actions were instrumental in sustaining the patient’s life until Dothan Fire Department personnel arrived, restored a pulse, and transported the patient to Flowers Hospital. As a result of these efforts, the patient made a full recovery.

Officer D. Turner and Officer W. Taylor

On March 29, 2026, Officers David Turner and William Taylor responded to a medical emergency and located an unresponsive male victim. Without hesitation, both officers immediately initiated CPR and continued life-saving measures until the arrival of rescue personnel from the Dothan Fire Department arrived on the scene to take over medical care.

Throughout the incident, they worked seamlessly alongside emergency responders, providing critical assistance and demonstrating exceptional teamwork. Their swift actions, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to preserving life ultimately resulted in saving the victim’s life. Their efforts reflect the highest standards of service and dedication to the community.

Crime Scene Supervisor Tyler King, Crime Scene Technician Courtney Rogers, Evidence Custodian Radney Crawford, and Evidence Technician Calene Morris are awarded Certificate of Appreciation Awards.

This team is recognized for distinguished civilian service and outstanding leadership in the planning, coordination, training, and execution of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network program. Their expertise and commitment played a critical role in strengthening the department’s forensic and investigative capabilities. Through their dedicated efforts, more than 1,500 firearms were processed and over 4,000 entries were submitted into NIBIN, significantly expanding the reach and effectiveness of ballistic intelligence.

Their meticulous attention to detail, technical proficiency, and strong coordination with internal personnel and partner agencies resulted in the development and dissemination of more than 2,000 actionable leads. These efforts directly supported 19 partner agencies, enhancing regional collaboration and contributing to the identification, investigation, and reduction of violent crime. Their work reflects a high level of professionalism, innovation, and dedication to public safety, making a lasting impact on both the department and the community it serves.

– We proudly congratulate the Crime Evidence Division employees

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On March 30, 2026, the Narcotics Division executed multiple search warrants related to a months-long investigation into the trafficking of synthetic opioids in the City of Dothan.  Investigators located addresses connected to the suspects, Roland Whitfield (22) of Dothan and Dewayne Chambers (53) of Dothan, that were used to distribute illegal narcotics.

During the search warrants, investigators seized an electronic money counter, $9,166 in cash, items used to package narcotics for sale, two firearms, approximately 11,000 fentanyl pills already pressed, and approximately 129 grams of fentanyl powder.  Investigators estimate the street value to be close to $250,000.  As a result of the investigation and searches, Roland Craig Whitfield (22) of Dothan and Dewayne Brown Chambers (53) of Dothan were each charged with Drug Trafficking-Fentanyl.  Both are being held in the Houston County Jail.

The Dothan Police Department has identified an increase in fentanyl and fentanyl-laced narcotics within the community and initiated targeted investigations to identify the source of distribution. As a result of these efforts, a significant quantity of fentanyl has been removed from circulation and will not reach the streets of Dothan.

While this outcome represents an important step in protecting public safety, we recognize that the threat posed by fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics remains ongoing. The Dothan Police Department remains fully committed to identifying those responsible for distributing illegal drugs, making arrests, and working closely with prosecutors to hold offenders accountable.

Our efforts will continue with a focus on disrupting the supply of dangerous substances and safeguarding the health and well-being of our community.

-Chief William E. Benny

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(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On February 22, 2026, at around 10:30 pm, Dothan Police Officers responded to a residence in the 1100 block of Fountain Street for a firearm assault. Officers found a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the hand, which was non-life threatening.  The scene was secure and investigators called to the scene.

According to the investigation, the suspect, identified as Zechariah Quantrill Jones (18) of Dothan, was arguing with other individuals on scene while in possession of a firearm.  Jones assaulted one person by striking them with the firearm during the argument.  Others attempted to step in when Jones discharged a round that struck the victim in the hand.  Jones was located on scene and taken into custody.

Jones was arrested and charged with one count of Assault 1^st degree, one count of Assault 2^nd degree, and one count of Attempted Assault 1^st degree.

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On September 20, 2025, just before 3:00 am, Dothan Police Officers responded to the intersection of West Powell Street and North Herring Street for reports of a suspicious vehicle.  The person reporting told dispatchers a silver passenger car was sitting at the intersection for over 30 minutes without moving.  When officers arrived, they found a male unresponsive in the driver’s seat.  Officers noticed the victim was not breathing and started life saving treatment, including Narcan.  After a period of time, the victim, identified as Joel William Nicholson (41) of Dothan, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Investigators began to collect evidence in the event Nicholson’s death was determined to not be natural.

On October 1, 2025, investigators received a preliminary autopsy result that Nicholson’s cause of death was the result of fentanyl.  Investigators were able to find the person who supplied Nicholson with the fentanyl.  Also on October 1^st, criminal investigators along with narcotics investigators executed a search warrant on the suspect’s residence in the 400 block of Pine Hills Drive.  The suspect, identified as Vikthor Shean Roman (39), was taken into custody.  Investigators located various pills and drug paraphernalia in the residence during the search.

Roman was taken to the Dothan Police Department where he admitted to supplying Nicholson with the fentanyl.  Roman was charged with Manslaughter-Fentanyl for supplying fentanyl and it being the proximate cause of Nicholson’s death.  Roman was taken to the Houston County Jail and is being held without bond.

Fentanyl is a dangerous substance that affects the lives of many in our community.  Those who are possessing and/or distributing this dangerous substance in our community will be found, will be arrested, and will be prosecuted to the fullest allowed by law.  We take our responsibility seriously to get these dangerous drugs off the street to protect our community.  Our thoughts are with Nicholson’s family and friends as they continue to grieve.  Additional charges are possible.

-Chief William E. Benny

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(DOTHAN, Ala.) On October 22, 2024 just before 8:00 pm, Dothan Police Officers responded to North Range Street, near the East Main Street overpass, for reports of a person down on the railroad tracks.  Officers arrived on scene and found the victim, Scottie Earl Jones (64) of Dothan, on the railroad tracks with serious lower body injuries.  Unfortunately, Jones was pronounced dead on arrival.

From the initial investigation, it appears Jones was attempting to go under the rail cars in an attempt to move past them while the train was in motion.  Jones was pinned by the train and sustained severe injuries to his legs as well as an injury to his head.  This is an ongoing investigation while investigators wait for toxicology tests to be performed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jones’ family while they mourn for their loved one.

 

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(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 20, 2024, Dothan Police responded to reports of a stabbing near the intersection of West Powell and Linden Street.  When officers arrived, they located the victim, identified as Damon Goodson (53) of Dothan, lying in the roadway with a stab wound to his upper torso.  Goodson was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.  Goodson, after undergoing surgery, was placed on life support.  On July 21, 2024, Goodson died from his injuries. The Dothan Police Department is asking for the community’s help in solving this case.

If you have information about the incident or had contact with Goodson in the 24-48 hours prior to July 20^th, please contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 334-615-3632 or 334-793-0215.  The Dothan Police Department remains committed to seeking justice for Damon Goodson.  When violent crime occurs and someone loses their life, we mourn with the family and community in their time of loss.  Our heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and support goes out to Damon Goodson’s family.

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Every shooting incident in Dothan is investigated by Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Division as well as the Gun Unit.  The Gun Unit has worked tirelessly to find those responsible for shootings in Dothan and take action.  Two search warrants, Hutchins Street and Lingo Street, executed by Dothan Police Department’s Special Response Team and Aviation Unit resulted in six individuals being arrested on various crimes as well as 6 firearms being seized.  All the individuals arrested are under the age of 16 and State Law prohibits releasing their information.  Of the firearms seized, there were five handguns and one AR-15 style rifle.

The charges for these individuals include Receiving Stolen Property 2^nd degree (stolen firearms), Certain Persons Forbidden to Carry Firearms, Burglary 3^rd degree, and Possession of Marijuana.

Chief Benny and the Dothan Police Department remain committed to public safety in the community.  The Dothan Police Department will continue to take an aggressive stand on this type of dangerous activity and asks for the community’s help.  If anyone has any information on crime activity, they are encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215.