(DOTHAN, Ala.) On April 12, 2026, just after 7:00 pm, the Dothan Police Department received calls about a man with a firearm threatening individuals in a nearby apartment complex. After officers spoke with witnesses, they were directed to a residence in the 100 block of East Lafayette Street. As officers tried to make contact, shots were fired from the house at the officers. Officers returned fire at the suspect, who then barricaded himself inside the residence. Officers set up a perimeter and called for the Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiators.
Negotiators attempted for more than an hour to make contact to get the subject to surrender without incident. The subject refused to surrender or respond to negotiators. During the standoff, more rounds were fired at officers on scene. The subject was shot by law enforcement on scene and was transported to a local hospital. The suspect, identified as Antonia Christopher King (45) of Dothan, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The State Bureau of Investigation has been requested to investigate the officer-involved shooting according to state law. Any further questions should be directed to Alabama SBI.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On April 7, 2026, the Dothan Police Department became aware of reports of a man engaging in inappropriate sex acts in front of victims in Dothan. An investigation immediately began in order to identify the person responsible. Witnesses described a small grey passenger car as the suspect vehicle. After reviewing various video surveillance sources and interviewing witnesses, it was determined the suspect was Adam Christopher Ash (37) of Dothan. A records check revealed Ash was a registered sex offender in Dothan.
While trying to locate Ash, investigators discovered Ash had changed jobs, addresses and went out of the city limits for an extended period of time without notifying the Dothan Police Department, as required by law. As a result of the investigation, Ash has been charged with four counts of felony Indecent Exposure and three counts for violating the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Ash is being held without bond.
-Chief William E. Benny
Adam Christopher Ash (37) of Dothan- Four Counts of Indecent Exposure and Three Counts of SORNA violations, no bond.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On April 9, 2026, the Dothan Police Department was notified that a package suspected to contain illegal drugs was set to be delivered to a Dothan address. Dothan Police Narcotics investigators were immediately notified. It was discovered that the suspects, identified as Gerald Rattery (40) of West Palm Beach, Florida and Brian Fields (39) of Chico, California, were set to receive the package containing illegal narcotics. Inside the package, investigators found approximately 10 pounds of marijuana.
After the delivery was made, Rattery and Fields left the location on a vehicle. A traffic stop on the vehicle revealed the package was placed in the trunk. Rattery was charged with one count of Conspiracy to Traffic Marijuana and Fields was charged with one count of Trafficking Marijuana. Both are being held on $1.5 million bonds.
-Chief William E. Benny
Gerald Anthony Ratter (40) of West Palm Beach, FL- Conspiracy to Traffic Marijuana, $1.5 million bondBrian Fields (40) of Chico, CA- Trafficking Marijuana, $1.5 million bondApproximately 10 pounds of Marijuana
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On November 15, 2025, just after 7:00 am, the Dothan Police Department responded to a residence in the 200 block of South Idlewild Path for a person down possibly having a medical episode. Officers and Dothan Fire paramedics found the victim, Jordan Marie Robinson (28) of Dothan, unresponsive. First responders immediately began life-saving treatment, but Robinson was pronounced dead on scene.
While inside the residence, officers were able to observe drug paraphernalia and residue in plain view in the residence. This led investigators to obtain a search warrant for the residence. Investigators seized various types of drugs that included methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, psilocybin, and fentanyl along with different items of drug paraphernalia. Investigators were able to link the drugs to the suspect in this case. The suspect, Jenne Clifton Adams (41) of Ashford, was charged that day with Drug Trafficking, three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana 2nd degree, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. An autopsy on Robinson was ordered and received by investigators on March 3, 2026.
After a forensic autopsy was completed, the proximate cause of death was listed as fentanyl overdose. Investigators, through digital forensic analysis of phones and computers, were able to establish probable cause that Adams supplied the fentanyl to Robinson that caused her death.
Adams was charged additionally with one count of Manslaughter-Fentanyl and booked into the Houston County Jail. Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that has affected many lives in the Wiregrass region. Anyone possessing, supplying, or using this dangerous substance in our community can expect to be held accountable according to Alabama law. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jordan Robinson as they grieve during this unimaginable time.
-Chief William E. Benny
Jesse Clifton Adams (41) of Ashford- Manslaughter-Fentanyl
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On February 18, 2026, an investigator following leads on shooting incidents in Dothan spotted a suspect he knew was wanted for those shootings in the 600 block of North Lena Street. The investigator recognized the suspect, Romello Tajeh Cox (20) of Dothan, as a suspect from previous shooting. The investigator called for backup, and the residence was surrounded. After commands for those in the apartment to come out, Cox and another individual exited the residence. There was information obtained that there were more people inside the apartment with access to firearms.
The Special Response Team was activated while a search warrant was obtained for the apartment. During execution of the search warrant, SRT operators verified there were no other occupants in the apartment. Two firearms were located during the search. One firearm was confirmed stolen.
Cox was previously wanted for a shooting into an occupied dwelling that occurred on February 12th in the 1000 block of Lake Street near Martin Homes. Shots were fired at a victim that struck that apartment and another apartment in the complex. The other apartment that was struck was occupied by a female and a small child at the time of the shooting. Cox was charged with two counts of Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling and one count of Attempted Assault 1st degree relating to that shooting.
Information was also developed that Cox was responsible for a separate shooting involving the same victim on February 16th in the 800 block of East Selma Street. Cox, having seen the victim in a vehicle, fired shots at the vehicle striking that vehicle as well as two other vehicles. Gunfire also struck two unoccupied houses. Cox was also charged with three counts of Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle and two counts of Shooting into an Unoccupied Dwelling in relation to that shooting.
The other occupant of the apartment was charged with a crime in relation to the stolen firearm. The suspect, Kahlesha Mesha Cooper-Smith (21) of Dothan, was charged with one count of Receiving Stolen Property 2nd degree.
Dangerous acts involving firearms are unacceptable in the City of Dothan. If you use a gun in commission of a violent crime you can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Dothan Police Department will advocate for vigorous prosecution of these individuals in cooperation with the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. More charges are possible as investigations continue.
-Chief William E. Benny
Romello Tajeh Cox (20) of Dothan- Two counts Shooting into Occupied Dwelling, Two counts Shooting into Occupied Vehicle, Three counts Shooting into Unoccupied Dwelling, and one count Attempted Assault 1st, No bond.Kahlesha Mesha Cooper-Smith (21) of Dothan- Receiving Stolen Property 2nd
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On February 11, 2026, around 2:00 am, Dothan Police Officers responded to reports of a man suffering a gunshot wound in the 2100 block of Saddlewood Trail. Officers responded and found the victim with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers immediately set a perimeter, called investigators, and a police K-9 to attempt to track a potential suspect. According to the victim, he heard a noise that may have come from the front bedroom. When the victim walked into the room, there was a subject standing in the room. The victim made attempts to get the subject out of the residence and was shot in the process. The suspect then fled the residence. According to the victim, the suspect appeared to be someone he knew.
Officers and investigators immediately attempted to locate this person for questioning. Within 2 hours of the crime, this person of interest was located and taken to the Dothan Police Department for questioning by investigators. The subject was able to provide an alibi that was quickly verified by investigators, and he was no longer considered a suspect. Investigators are continuing to follow leads to bring a resolution to the case. Based on the interaction between the victim and suspect, law enforcement assessment, and other factors, we do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the community.
Even though there may not be much activity observed by the public, the Dothan Police Department diligently works to develop leads and solve every case we get. Much of the investigative work is done behind the scenes and below the surface of what many can see. With those investigative efforts, there is communication with the victims of the case. However, certain aspects of the investigation and certain investigative techniques would compromise investigations, if revealed. We are committed to the safety of every community and will follow all investigative leads to bring every case to a close. This is an ongoing investigation. If you live in the area and have surveillance cameras during the hours of 12:00 am and 2:00 am, please contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3632. You can also submit those videos at https://dothanpdal.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/0126002973 or by using the QR code below. We will update the public when there are further developments.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On February 8, 2026, just after 7:00 pm, the Dothan Communications Center received a call of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the 4700 block of Montgomery Highway in front of the Dothan Pavilion Shopping Center. When officers arrived, the victim, later identified as David Allen Tice (18) of Dothan, was found in the roadway and pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to the initial investigation, Tice was crossing Montgomery Highway from the area of La Parilla to Walmart when he was struck by a vehicle in the southbound lanes. Tice was struck by a following vehicle that was unable to see him in the roadway. Unless more information is revealed, the drivers of the two vehicles are not expected to face charges in this case.
Anytime someone dies is a tragic day regardless of circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tice’s family and friends as they go through this difficult time. The case is being investigated by the Dothan Police Department CRASH Team and is ongoing.
(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
Michael Tywaun Taylor (24)- Capital Murder-Robbery, No bond
After responding to the firearm assault during the early morning hours, investigators and officers began working multiple leads. Information learned led investigators to Dale County. Members of the Dothan Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigation Division worked hand in hand all day long and into the night with Sheriff Mason Bynum and the Dale County Sheriff’s Department. Together the two departments located persons of interest, witnesses, and executed search warrants.
As a result of the lengthy investigation, at approximately 7:15 PM on Saturday January 10, 2026, Dothan Police Department Investigators had gathered sufficient evidence to sign a warrant for Murder on 40 year old Ted Carstiel Caldwell of Ozark, Alabama. At approximately 8:30 PM, Sheriff Bynum and members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department located Caldwell at a residence in Ozark and took him into custody. Caldwell was transported to Dothan where he was booked into the Houston County Jail for the Murder charge with no bond.
Details learned indicate the victim, Brandon Layfatte Jones, and another individual were engaged in a verbal altercation that turned physical over a minor parking lot dispute. During their dispute, Caldwell interjected himself by producing a firearm and shooting Jones, who according to witnesses was unarmed. As a result, Jones succumbed to the injury.
Caldwell is no stranger to the criminal justice system. Records show he has past arrests for Assault, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Contempt of Court for Failure to Appear in court on more than one occasion, Failure to Pay Child Support, and even a previous arrest for Murder. All arrests were in jurisdictions outside of Houston County. Even though these were arrests, the disposition and sentencing for each of these are unknown.
The Dothan Police Department would like to extend their gratitude to Sheriff Bynum and members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department for all their hard work and dedication to helping bring such a senseless crime to a successful conclusion. This is a great example of two departments working together as one team, for one cause.
Original:
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at approximately 4:00 AM, the City of Dothan-Houston County Emergency Operations Center received a call for a firearm assault in the parking lot of a local establishment in the 3600 block of Montgomery Highway.
Officers arrived on scene and located a male victim lying in the parking lot with one gunshot wound to the upper torso. Dothan Fire and Rescue arrived on scene and began life saving measures on the victim. Pilcher’s Ambulance transported the victim to a local hospital, trauma alert.
Shortly after arrival at the hospital, the victim succumbed to his injury. The victim has been identified as 35 year old Brandon Layfatte Jones of Dothan.
At this time, a person of interest has been identified and is being sought.
A motive for the incident has not been determined as of yet due to the investigation being in its early stage.
We ask anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP.
After responding to the firearm assault during the early morning hours, investigators and officers began working multiple leads. Information learned led investigators to Dale County. Members of the Dothan Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigation Division worked hand in hand all day long and into the night with Sheriff Mason Bynum and the Dale County Sheriff’s Department. Together the two departments located persons of interest, witnesses, and executed search warrants.
As a result of the lengthy investigation, at approximately 7:15 PM on Saturday January 10, 2026, Dothan Police Department Investigators had gathered sufficient evidence to sign a warrant for Murder on 40 year old Ted Carstiel Caldwell of Ozark, Alabama. At approximately 8:30 PM, Sheriff Bynum and members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department located Caldwell at a residence in Ozark and took him into custody. Caldwell was transported to Dothan where he was booked into the Houston County Jail for the Murder charge with no bond.
Details learned indicate the victim, Brandon Layfatte Jones, and another individual were engaged in a verbal altercation that turned physical over a minor parking lot dispute. During their dispute, Caldwell interjected himself by producing a firearm and shooting Jones, who according to witnesses was unarmed. As a result, Jones succumbed to the injury.
Caldwell is no stranger to the criminal justice system. Records show he has past arrests for Assault, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Contempt of Court for Failure to Appear in court on more than one occasion, Failure to Pay Child Support, and even a previous arrest for Murder. All arrests were in jurisdictions outside of Houston County. Even though these were arrests, the disposition and sentencing for each of these are unknown.
The Dothan Police Department would like to extend their gratitude to Sheriff Bynum and members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department for all their hard work and dedication to helping bring such a senseless crime to a successful conclusion. This is a great example of two departments working together as one team, for one cause.
Original:
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at approximately 4:00 AM, the City of Dothan-Houston County Emergency Operations Center received a call for a firearm assault in the parking lot of a local establishment in the 3600 block of Montgomery Highway.
Officers arrived on scene and located a male victim lying in the parking lot with one gunshot wound to the upper torso. Dothan Fire and Rescue arrived on scene and began life saving measures on the victim. Pilcher’s Ambulance transported the victim to a local hospital, trauma alert.
Shortly after arrival at the hospital, the victim succumbed to his injury. The victim has been identified as 35 year old Brandon Layfatte Jones of Dothan.
At this time, a person of interest has been identified and is being sought.
A motive for the incident has not been determined as of yet due to the investigation being in its early stage.
We ask anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP.
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