Press Releases – Dothan Police Department

July 29, 2026July 29, 2026

Orlando Kidnapping Suspect Apprehended in Dothan

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 29, 2026, the Dothan Police Department was notified that a suspect wanted for Kidnapping of a Minor and Probation Revocation charges from Orlando, FL was possibly in the Dothan area. Orlando Police Investigators also relayed that there was an emergency pick-up order for a child under 10 years old out of Orange County, Florida that was currently with the suspect. The suspect was identified as Jenay Dominique Burns (38). Florida authorities used License Plate Readers (LPR) to confirm the vehicle was near the Dothan area.

Investigators with Dothan Police Department and Houston County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the United States Marshal Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force immediately began following leads and utilizing all available technology in order to assist in locating Burns and the child.

With the description of the vehicle and photos from the LPRs, Dothan Police Drone Operators utilized drones to locate the vehicle on West Main Street. The vehicle was described as a red Nissan Rogue with a Florida Tag.

Based on that information, investigators were able to locate and stop the vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 231 South and Highway 109 just south of Dothan. Burns was taken into custody without incident. Burns was transported to the Houston County Jail to await extradition back to Florida. The missing child was found in the vehicle and taken into the custody of the Department of Human Resources. DHR will facilitate the return of the child to family members in Florida.

The Dothan Police Department would like to thank the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshal Service for their assistance in getting Burns into custody and starting a path to reuniting this child with her family in Florida. This case was a great example of how layers of technology, good police work, and interagency cooperation can help lead to successful resolutions of potentially dangerous situations.

-Chief William E. Benny

Jenay Dominique Burns (38)- Out of State Warrants

July 27, 2026

Two Bodies Found on Evans Drive; Death Investigation Underway

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 27, 2026, just before 2:00 pm, the Dothan Police Department was called to a residence in the 2600 block of Evans Drive for a medical call. The caller told dispatch he was checking on family members who had not been heard from for some time and found two individuals in the living room of the home. It was obvious the two individuals were deceased as they were both in an advanced state of decomposition, which makes identification and cause of death impossible to determine without an autopsy.

Due to the circumstances, criminal investigators and forensic services personnel were called to the scene. According to investigators, the residence had been without active utilities or active running water for over a month. While it is unusual to find two deceased bodies in a residence in Dothan, investigators noted there were no obvious signs of violence in the home and no signs of forced entry. As is standard with all suspicious deaths, both bodies have been sent to Montgomery for an autopsy and positive identification.

Investigators will continue to follow the leads on the case until autopsy results are complete. There is no ongoing danger to the community. We will update the case as more information becomes available.

July 23, 2026July 23, 2026

Dothan Man Arrested for Sex Crimes Against a Child Less than 12 Years Old

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On June 20, 2026, the Dothan Police Department was notified of a potential crime involving a child less than 12 years old. According to complaints, the child told their parent that the suspect, Desmi Archimedes-Martinez Flowers (29) of Dothan, had inappropriate sexual contact with her about a year prior. Investigators immediately began looking into the case.

Through the help of the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center, the victim disclosed that, between October 2024 and January 2025, Flowers had sexual contact with the child on several occasions. The abuse stopped in January 2025 when Flowers was asked to leave because of inappropriate conduct with the child.

Flowers has been charged with two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child less than 12 years old, two counts of Sexual Torture, and three counts of Sodomy 1^st degree. Flowers was booked into the Houston County Jail where he is being held without bond. More charges are possible as the investigation remains ongoing.

-Chief William E. Benny

Desmi Archimedes-Martinez Flowers (29) of Dothan- Two counts Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12, two counts Sexual Torture, and three counts of Sodomy 1st degree, no bond

July 17, 2026

Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Vehicle in Early Morning Crash

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 17, 2026, just after 4:00 am, the Dothan Police Department responded to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the 600 Block of Ross Clark Circle. The victim, identified as Quinteria Reaves (29) of Dothan, was crossing Ross Clark Circle when she was struck by a passing vehicle. Despite life-saving measures by first responders, Reaves was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Dothan Police Department CRASH Team is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Ms. Reaves as they go through this difficult time.

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July 17, 2026

Update on Thursday Shooting on Monroe Street

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 16, 2026, just after 1:00 pm, the Dothan Police Department responded to reports of a person shot in the 700 block of Monroe Street. The person reporting told emergency dispatchers gunshots were heard, and a vehicle crashed nearby. Officer arrived on scene and found one victim suffering gunshot wounds in the vehicle. Emergency medical aid was provided by officers and Dothan Fire Department paramedics on scene. It was discovered the victim was trying to drive himself to the hospital after being shot. The victim had at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. As first responders were treating the victim on Monroe Street, another call came from a local hospital that another victim arrived with gunshot wounds transported by private vehicle.

According to the early stages of the investigation, both victims met with another group of individuals to discuss a drug transaction. An argument over the previous drug transaction escalated to a physical altercation. While two parties were fighting, a different individual pulled out a firearm and began shooting. While investigators were able to speak to one victim, the other victim was rushed to surgery and was unable to provide details. This victim is listed in stable but critical condition.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Investigators continue to follow leads, interview witnesses, and collect evidence. Several witnesses have not cooperated with investigators. Anyone with any information about this case should call the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215. Witnesses wishing to remain anonymous can contact Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP or online at P3TIPS.com.

July 16, 2026

More Arrests Made in Hutchins Street Murder on July 4th

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers with the Dothan Police Department and personnel from Dothan Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a shooting in the 800 block of Hutchins Street.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition.

The victim has been identified as Ja’Marion Rashawn Snell, 18, of Dothan. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Snell succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

On July 15, 2026, a second suspect, Jovontae Eldwon Lacey (20) of Dothan, was arrested and charged with Murder in the July 4^th murder of Ja’Marion Snell. Lacey was booked into the Houston County Jail and held without bond. A search warrant was executed in the early morning hours of July 16, 2026, at a residence in the 1700 block of South Saint Andrews Street. During the search warrant, a third suspect, Nazier Shamon Beachum (21), was located and arrested. Beachum has been charged with Murder and is being held without bond.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Several search warrants have already been executed relating to the case and more search warrants are possible. Detectives continue to actively pursue all investigative leads, conduct interviews, and analyze evidence to identify those responsible. The Dothan Police Department remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice and providing answers to Mr. Snell’s family.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at (334) 615-3000 or provide information anonymously through CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP.

-Chief William E. Benny

Jovontae Eldwon Lacey (20) of Dothan- Murder, no bond

Nazier Shamon Beachum (21) of Dothan- Murder, no bond

July 14, 2026

Arrest Made in Hutchins Street Murder on July 4th

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition.

The victim has been identified as Ja’Marion Rashawn Snell, 18, of Dothan. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Snell succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

On July 14, 2026, Avaughn Ahmad Brown (18) of Montgomery was taken into custody in Montgomery by Dothan Police Investigators along with Task Force Members from the United States Marshal Service Gulf Coast Regional Violent Fugitive Task Force. Brown was arrested and charged with Murder for the July 4^th shooting of Ja’Marion Snell. Brown will be transported back to Dothan and be booked into the Houston County Jail. Brown will be held without bond. Brown was on bond for Attempted Assault 1^st degree for a shooting in March.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. More arrests are possible as the investigation continues. Detectives continue to actively pursue all investigative leads, conduct interviews, and analyze evidence to identify those responsible. The Dothan Police Department remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice and providing answers to Mr. Snell’s family.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at (334) 615-3000 or provide information anonymously through CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP.

-Chief William E. Benny

Avaughn Ahmad Brown (18) of Montgomery- Murder, No bond

July 9, 2026July 13, 2026

UPDATED: Additional Suspect Now Arrested Following Wiregrass Commons Mall Shooting

(DOTHAN, Ala.) The Dothan Police Department has now arrested an additional individual following an extensive investigation into a shooting that occurred at Wiregrass Commons Mall, located at 900 Commons Drive, on Friday, July 3, 2026.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 3, multiple calls were received reporting gunfire at the mall. Officers from the Dothan Police Department, along with Houston County Sherriff’s Department and ALEA Troopers, responded immediately and conducted a systematic search of the property to locate victims, suspects, witnesses, and evidence.

Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. However, the mall building and two unoccupied vehicles were struck by gunfire.

Investigators with the Dothan Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, VICE/GUN Unit, and Crime Scene Unit immediately began processing the scene, collecting evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses. Through their investigation, detectives determined the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between two groups outside the mall that escalated into an exchange of gunfire.

As the investigation progressed, investigators identified the individuals believed to be responsible and obtained search warrants for residences in the 1900 block of Honeysuckle Road in Dothan and the 400 block of Beaver Run Circle in Headland.

During the execution of those search warrants, investigators recovered multiple firearms along with additional evidence connected to the shooting. The following individuals were taken into custody late Wednesday night, July 8, 2026, and are currently being held without bond:

Zakyih Ty’Juan Vickers, 18, of Dothan
Alfonso Collins Adams Jr., 19, of Headland
E’Quaviaun Demonte Horne, 18, of Dothan

UPDATE:

An additional suspect, Tyzarious Dashawn Carroll, (20), of Dothan has now been charged with the same four charges as the previous three suspects. Carroll was booked into the Houston County Jail late Thursday afternoon, July 9, 2026, around 2:30 p.m. after being taken into custody in the 1600 block of South Alice Street in Dothan. He was no bond.

Each has been charged with:

One (1) count of Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Building
Two (2) counts of Discharging a Firearm into an Unoccupied Vehicle
One (1) count of Attempted Assault, First Degree

The investigation remains active, and additional arrests are possible.

The swift identification and arrest of those responsible is the direct result of the relentless work of our patrol officers, investigators, crime scene personnel, and specialized units. Acts of violence that place innocent members of our community at risk will not be tolerated. We remain committed to aggressively investigating violent crime, holding offenders accountable, and continuing our efforts to make Dothan a safer community.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at (334) 615-3000 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

July 9, 2026

Dothan Police Department to Increase Enforcement of Existing Juvenile Curfew Ordinance

Dothan Police Department to Increase Enforcement of Existing Juvenile Curfew Ordinance

The Dothan Police Department will be increasing enforcement of the City of Dothan’s existing Juvenile Curfew Ordinance as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce juvenile crime, protect young people from becoming victims of crime, and improve public safety throughout our community.

The juvenile curfew ordinance has been in effect for many years. This initiative reflects an increased emphasis on enforcing an existing city ordinance as part of the department’s overall crime reduction strategy.

Unless one of the exceptions provided in the ordinance applies, juveniles 17 years of age and younger may not be in public places during the following hours:

Sunday through Thursday: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Friday and Saturday: Midnight to 6:00 a.m.

The ordinance contains several exceptions, including juveniles who are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, traveling to or from employment, school, religious, or other authorized activities, or otherwise engaged in conduct specifically permitted by the ordinance.

When officers encounter a juvenile during curfew hours, they will investigate to determine whether an exception applies. If no lawful exception exists, officers will take the action authorized by the ordinance, including taking the juvenile into protective custody when appropriate, while contacting the juvenile’s parent or legal guardian.

As required by the ordinance, a first violation will result in a warning being issued to the parent or legal guardian.

This warning serves as formal notice that any subsequent curfew violation may result in the parent or legal guardian being summoned to Dothan Municipal Court. Upon conviction, penalties may include a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, as authorized by law. In addition, repeat violations may result in the juvenile being referred to the appropriate juvenile authorities for further action.

Parents and legal guardians play an important role in ensuring juveniles comply with the City’s curfew ordinance. We encourage families to discuss the curfew with their children, know where they are during late night hours, and help them make safe, responsible decisions.

The purpose of this enforcement initiative is prevention, not punishment. By reducing late night juvenile activity, the department hopes to decrease opportunities for crime, improve public safety, and help keep young people from becoming victims or offenders. The Dothan Police Department will continue to work with parents, schools, and community partners to build a safer community for everyone.

For additional information regarding the City of Dothan Juvenile Curfew Ordinance, please contact the Dothan Police Department Special Investigation Unit at (334) 615-3632.

“Our goal is not to punish young people or parents. Our goal is to keep juveniles safe, reduce opportunities for crime, and ensure our officers can intervene before someone becomes a victim or makes a life changing decision. This ordinance is one more tool that helps us accomplish that mission.” — Chief Will Benny

July 9, 2026

Three Arrested Following Wiregrass Commons Mall Shooting Investigation

(DOTHAN, Ala.) The Dothan Police Department has arrested three individuals following an extensive investigation into a shooting that occurred at Wiregrass Commons Mall, located at 900 Commons Drive, on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. However, the mall building and two unoccupied vehicles were struck by gunfire.

Zakyih Ty’Juan Vickers, 18, of Dothan
Alfonso Collins Adams Jr., 19, of Headland
E’Quaviaun Demonte Horne, 18, of Dothan

Each has been charged with:

One (1) count of Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Building
Two (2) counts of Discharging a Firearm into an Unoccupied Vehicle
One (1) count of Attempted Assault, First Degree

The investigation remains active, and additional arrests are possible.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at (334) 615-3000 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.