Dothan Police Arrest Suspect After Armed Robbery with Quick Response

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On September 12, 2025, just after 10:00 pm, the Dothan Communications Center received reports of an armed robbery in progress at a gas station in the 100 block of Ross Clark Circle.  Officers immediately responded to the area.  It was reported an individual wearing a hoodie style jacket, a mask, and socks on his hands had entered the business armed with what appeared to be a long gun and demanded money.  After receiving the money from the clerk, the suspect was seen by another witness running from the business towards a wooded area.  This witness was able to point responding officers, who were on scene within minutes, in the area where the suspect ran.

As K-9 officers were beginning to track, patrol supervisors had requested aerial support to aid in tracking the suspect.  A helicopter, operated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in coordination with the Wiregrass Aerial Support Program (WASP), was in the air and on scene within minutes. An alert officer on the perimeter noticed a person coming out of the wood line.  When the person was ordered to stop, he took off running away from the officer.   Officers gave chase and, after the suspect fell into a ditch and got back up, he was taken into custody.  The suspect dropped a bag that contained the exact amount of money taken in the robbery, which was also recovered by officers.  When officers searched the area where the suspect came out of the wood line, officer found the socks, hoodie, and gun used in the robbery, which turned out to be a toy gun.  The clothing worn by the suspect was also exactly what the suspect wore during the robbery.

The suspect was identified as Kevone Devontay Smith (24) of Dothan.  Smith has been charged with one count of Robbery 1st degree and Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer.  Robbing stores, toy gun or not, will not be tolerated in the City of Dothan.  People who commit these types of dangerous crimes will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.  The quick response and professional investigation led to the capture of this suspect.  Investigation into the methods used for the crime as well as other evidence may lead to additional charges.  This is an ongoing investigation.

-Chief William E. Benny

Kevone Devontay Smith (24)- Robbery 1st degree and Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement

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Man Suffering from Mental Health Crisis Taken into Custody by Dothan Police

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On September 10, 2025, just after 10:30 am, the Dothan Communications Center received a call from a man in the 400 block of East Cottonwood Road claiming a large number of federal agents were surrounding him and requesting assistance.  When officers arrived on the scene, they made contact with the suspect who was clearly suffering from a mental health crisis.  In early conversations, the suspect claimed he had explosives that were active, which was verified by officers on scene.  The Special Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and the Bomb Squad all were called to the scene.

A crisis negotiator made contact to begin negotiations with the suspect.  After a period of time, the suspect came outside the home and was apprehended using a bean-bag shotgun.  As the suspect was taken into custody, one of the homemade explosive devices, a makeshift grenade, was found close to where the suspect fell.  Officers immediately evacuated the area and got the suspect to a safe location.  Members of the Bomb Team secured the explosive device.  Statements made by the suspect led the Bomb Team to perform a safety sweep of the suspect’s residence, after a search warrant was signed, to make the scene safe from any other explosive devices.  No more explosive devices were discovered.  The suspect was taken to a local hospital for mental evaluation and was admitted for treatment.  Criminal charges are expected.

No businesses in the area were close enough to be in danger from the explosive devices.  Dothan Prep Academy and a close-by daycare were placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution because of the high level of police presence.  The safety of our citizens is the utmost importance.  The decision to evacuate residents or have them shelter in place comes after consultation with certified explosives technicians on our Bomb Team trained in blast radius estimation.  We want to thank all the residents in the area for their cooperation while the incident unfolded.  We are thankful there were no serious injuries to officers or residents in the area.

 

-Chief William E. Benny

 

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Drug Manufacturers Arrested in Search for Alleged Murderer from Texas

(DOTHAN, Al)  On the morning of August 6th, investigators with the US Marshal Gulf Coast Regional Task Force and Dothan Police Department’s VICE/Narcotics Division executed an arrest warrant for murder on Terrence Mathews, issued in the State of Texas, in the 1000 block of Hamilton Street. Mathews was wanted in El Paso, Texas. During the arrest, illegal narcotics were seen by investigators. Dothan Police Vice Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence, and Mathews, along with Marcus Hill, were detained while the search was conducted.

During the search of the residence, investigators recovered marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, pills, items commonly used in the manufacturing of crack cocaine, and over $62,000 in cash.

Marcus Hill was arrested for Drug Trafficking, Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance 1st, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Terrence Mathews was arrested for Drug Trafficking, Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance 1st, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Fugitive from Justice for his warrant in Texas.

Dothan Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is assisting El Paso Texas Police Department in their investigation.  Thank you to the US Marshal Gulf Coast Regional Task Force for their assistance in this case.

-Chief William E. Benny

Marcus Jamael Hill (37) of Dothan- Drug Trafficking, Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance 1st, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Terrence Tremayne Mathews (38) of Dothan- Drug Trafficking, Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance 1st, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Fugitive from Justice.
Drug Evidence found during search

Update on Sunday Night Domestic Shooting

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On August 3, 2025, just after 6:30 pm, Dothan Police responded to an apartment complex in the 2800 block of Fortner Street for reports of a shooting.  When officers arrived on scene, they found two male patients suffering gunshot wounds inside an apartment.  One male patient was shot at least once in the lower leg.  The other male was shot in the upper torso.  Both individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment.  Criminal investigators and crime scene technicians were called to investigate the circumstances of the shooting.

During the preliminary investigation, it was discovered the two patients, whose relationship was listed as father and son, were involved in a verbal altercation.  At some point during the domestic argument, one of the individuals pulled a firearm.  The other individual responded by pulling his own firearm and shots were fired by both subjects.  Investigators are still trying to determine who the primary aggressor was since one subject is still in the hospital unable to give a statement at this time.

One person was treated and released from the hospital.  The other subject is listed in critical condition at a local hospital.  This is an ongoing investigation.

Domestic violence is a serious issue in the community and around the country.  Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.  If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, they can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or the House of Ruth at 334-793-2232.

Dothan Man Charged with Manslaughter After Elderly Man Found Dead

(DOTHAN, Ala.) – On July 21, 2025 around 12:00 pm, Dothan Police and Dothan Fire Department Paramedics responded to a medical incident in the 700 block of Shirley Street.  When first responders arrived on scene, they located a male deceased in the residence. The victim was identified as James Edward Jackson (70).  As officers were in the residence, they noticed the disarray of the residence.  It was clear, after an inspection of the victim, that he had not been properly cared for by his caretaker, identified as Willie Sam Wymes (59) of Dothan.  The victim had obvious signs of neglect, which prompted an investigation.

Investigators noted that statements given by Wymes about caring for Jackson as well as the timeline around when Jackson was found were inconsistent or easily disproved.  The appearance of the residence, obvious signs of neglect, and inconsistent statements given by Wymes led to him being charged with Manslaughter in Jackson’s death.

Individuals caring for elderly individuals have a responsibility to provide necessary food, shelter, and medical care when needed.  The inaction of Wymes in caring for Jackson made this charge appropriate.  Wymes has been charged with Manslaughter and taken to the Houston County Jail.  This is an ongoing investigation.

-Chief William E. Benny

Willie Sam Wymes (57) of Dothan- Manslaughter

Several Charged with Drugs and Serial Thefts from Motor Vehicles After Operation

(DOTHAN, Ala.) Over the past week, several reports were forwarded to the Dothan Police Department regarding individuals unlawfully entering motor vehicles with the intent to steal items left in unlocked vehicles.  Individuals would pull on door handles and, after finding an unlocked vehicle, would enter to steal various items, including firearms.  Several leads were developed during the investigation.  Those leads led investigators to obtain a search warrant for a residence in the 2800 block of Nottingham Way in Dothan as well as addresses outside the City of Dothan.

After the successful operation by investigators and the Special Response Team, the suspects believed to be responsible for the numerous vehicle break-ins and drugs were found.  Investigators detained three adults and three juveniles.  The investigation resulted in 70 total charges of these six individuals and the closure of several open investigations.  More charges are possible.

Marion Omri Sylvester Luke (18) was arrested and charged with 25 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle.

Marion Luke (18) of Dothan- 25 Counts of Unlawful Breaking & Entering a Motor Vehicle

Latanya Butts (47) was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree.

Latanya Butts (47) of Dothan- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance & Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree

Tavant Latrell Mobley (18) was charged with Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree.

Tavant Mobley (18) of Dothan- Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree

Juvenile 1 was charged with 25 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle.

Juvenile 2 was charged with 16 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle.

Juvenile 3 was charged with Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree.

Due to Alabama juvenile privacy laws, the juveniles cannot be identified, and no further information can be released about them.  The investigation is still ongoing.  The type of behavior these individuals have been charged with will be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law. Investigators will continue to work diligently to find the truth and property taken during these crimes.

-Chief William E. Benny

 

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Woman Charged with Aggravated Child Abuse; Child in Serious Condition

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On July 9, 2025, at about 1:30 am, Dothan Police Officers were notified by a local hospital that a child under the age of 5 was being prepared for surgery with suspicious injuries.  The healthcare worker informed officers that the child had bruises over most of their body and significant bruising on the child’s face.  Initially, the suspect identified as Selena Cheyanna Smith (24) of Dothan, claimed the child was running around the residence on Jimmie Lane, fell, and struck the side of their head on a table.  The injuries, according to healthcare workers and investigators, did not match the story given.  An investigation was launched to determine the circumstances.

Shortly after the investigation began, Smith admitted to causing the injuries.  According to investigators, Smith was attempting to discipline the child, grew frustrated, and threw the child to the ground where the child struck their head on the floor.  The incident caused the child’s brain to swell from the blunt trauma, which was life-threatening.  The child has since been transferred to a different hospital for further treatment.  The child is listed in serious but stable condition.  Smith has been charged with one count of Aggravated Child Abuse in Dale County.  Smith was transported to the Dale County Jail and being held without bond.

-Chief William E. Benny

 

Selena Cheyanna Smith (24) of Dothan- Aggravated Child Abuse, No bond

Teen Defends Family Member from Domestic Violence: Shoots Offender

(DOTHAN, Ala.)

On June 30, 2025, just after 5:00 am, Dothan Police responded to reports of a person shot at an apartment in the 700 block of Alabama Avenue.  When officers arrived, they started life-saving measures on the male with a gunshot wound.  After a short period, it was determined the person who was shot was deceased.  The person was identified as Johnny Oliver (28) of Dothan.   A homicide investigation immediately began to determine the circumstances of the shooting.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Oliver was engaged in an assault on a person inside the apartment just prior to the shooting.  As Oliver continued to assault a female in the apartment, the firearm, brought by Oliver, was obtained by a juvenile under the age of 18.  After several demands by the juvenile to stop the assault, the juvenile fired a single round that struck Oliver in the upper torso.  The explanation of the shooting was corroborated by both witnesses on scene as well as video surveillance.

After consultation with the Houston/Henry County District Attorney, Russ Goodman, the case will be forwarded to his office for review.  Criminal charges are not expected at this time.  The belief among investigators and the District Attorney’s Office was that the juvenile was acting in defense of a person, which is a legal defense allowed by law.  The case will remain open until a final decision is made by the District Attorney’s Office.

 

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Two People Arrested for Manslaughter-Fentanyl After 32-Year-Old Woman Dies

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On June 20, 2025, around 4:30 pm, Dothan Police and Dothan Fire Department Paramedics responded to a medical call at a trailer park in the 2200 block of South Oates Street.  According to the caller, the victim, identified as Torie Lynn Strickland (32) of Dothan, was unresponsive outside the mobile home.  Dothan Police Officers immediately started life-saving measures when they arrived on scene, which included the administration of Narcan.  Strickland was transported to a local hospital where she continued to receive treatment.  Sadly, Strickland passed away in the hospital on June 23, 2025.  Evidence on the scene led officers and investigators to determine it was likely a drug overdose.  Strickland’s body will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy.

The joint investigation with Houston County Sheriff’s Office into Strickland’s death revealed that George Trierweiler (44) of Dothan and Mitchel Folds (32) of Dothan supplied Strickland with Fentanyl, which ultimately caused her death.  Trierweiler and Folds have been charged with Manslaughter-Fentanyl and placed in the Houston County Jail.

The new law, which was signed by Governor Ivey in 2024, makes it a criminal offense to knowingly furnish a substance known to contain fentanyl to someone who dies as a proximate result of the use of the substance.  The goal of the law was to hold those accountable for distributing this dangerous substance in our community.  The possession and distribution of this dangerous drug will not be overlooked in the City of Dothan, and the Dothan Police Department will vigorously support prosecutions for those involved in possessing or dealing fentanyl.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Strickland’s family and friends as they mourn this terrible tragedy.

Folds and Madalynn Mae Bean (33) of Dothan were also charged with Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance by the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force following a search of the residence.  The Dothan Police Department thanks the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force Division B for their assistance in this investigation.

-Chief William E. Benny

George Lee Trierweiler (44) of Dothan- Manslaughter-Fentanyl
Mitchel Ryan Drew Folds (32) of Dothan- Manslaughter-Fentanyl and Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Madalynn Mae Bean (33) of Dothan- Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance

Person Shot on East Spring Street; Suspect in Custody

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On June 17, 2025, just after 1:00 pm, Dothan Police Officers responded to the 400 block of East Spring Street to reports of a victim suffering from a gunshot wound.  Officers arrived on scene and found the victim deceased from a single gunshot wound.  Investigators immediately began forensically processing the scene and attempting to locate the suspect, who had fled the scene after the shooting.  The victim was identified as Brittney Alise Henderson (39) of Dothan.  The suspect, Vincent Phillips (22) of Dothan, has been arrested and charged with Capital Murder and being held without bond.

According to the preliminary investigation, Henderson was on her back porch when approached by the suspect, who only knew Henderson as a neighbor.  There was a very brief interaction when the suspect drew a firearm and pointed it at Henderson.  The suspect then fired one round killing Henderson.  At this point, there are several avenues of investigation that need to take place.  In the coming days, investigators will continue to pursue leads in determining the motivation for this terrible act of violence.

The Dothan Police Department wants to thank the community for their assistance and support during the early stages of this investigation.  Investigators will work tirelessly to determine all the circumstances surrounding this crime.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Brittney Henderson as they grieve this devastating loss.  If anyone has any information that could help in this investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3632 or 334-793-0215.

-Chief William E. Benny

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