News and Events

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On February 26, 2026, the Dothan Police Department responded to a medical call at an apartment complex in the 2200 block of Westgate Parkway.  The caller reported a female was unresponsive as life-saving efforts were in progress.  Officers arrived on scene and immediately began to give emergency medical aid along with Dothan Fire Department paramedics.  The victim, identified as Jakinah Chamique Freeman (25), was transported to a local hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

While speaking with the person reporting the incident, it was learned by officers a black male was seen running from the residence prior to first responders arriving.  Criminal investigators were called to the scene to investigate.  Video surveillance in the area and witness statements led investigators to identify the suspect as Danious Da’Kel Sewell (21) of Abbeville.

After the investigation and forensic analysis, it was determined Freeman’s death was caused by fentanyl overdose.  Investigators allege Sewell provided the fentanyl that was the cause of Freeman’s death.  Sewell was charged with Manslaughter-Fentanyl and booked in the Houston County Jail.  Sewell is being held without bond.

-Chief William E. Benny

(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

(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