News and Events

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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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Narcotics Operations Takes More Drugs, Including Fentanyl, Off the Streets

On June 24, 2025, the Dothan Police Department Narcotics Division with the assistance of the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 700 block of West Newton Street.  This search warrant was granted due to an ongoing investigation into those possessing, distributing, and selling dangerous, illegal narcotics on the streets of the City of Dothan.  During the search, investigators seized approximately 17 grams of Fentanyl laced pills, 22 grams of cocaine, 53 grams of methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy), 1 ounce of marijuana, 1.5 ounces of an unknown substance, and various other items used for the distribution, abuse, and sale of narcotics.  Investigators also seized three firearms, a stolen vehicle, and about $1,000 cash.  One of the firearms was also reported stolen.

Javon Antonio James (33) of Dothan was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana 1st degree, and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd degree (firearm).  More charges are possible for James.  All narcotics will be analyzed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

This seizure further demonstrates the Dothan Police Department’s commitment to getting these dangerous drugs off our streets.  Those who are selling, possessing, or distributing these dangerous drugs will be held accountable to the fullest extent allowed by law.

-Chief William E. Benny

Guns and Narcotics seized during operation
Javon Antonio James (33) of Dothan- Trafficking-Fentanyl, Trafficking-Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana 1st degree, and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree.
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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
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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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Child Under the Age of 12 Struck By Gunfire After Dispute; One Suspect In Custody

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On May 27, 2025, just after 5:00 pm, Dothan Police Communications Center received a call from a local hospital of a juvenile under the age of 12 being treated for a suspected gunshot wound in the lower body.  As officers were responding to the hospital, it was reported the gunfire occurred on Kristie Road in Dothan.  Officers responded to the area of Kristie Road to attempt to locate the crime scene.  After an investigation, investigators were able to locate and charge Octavenious Thomas (36) of Dothan with Assault 1st degree, Attempted Assault 1st Degree, and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle.  Thomas was placed in the Houston County Jail with bonds totaling $450,000.

The investigation found that two adult males were involved in a verbal altercation on Kristie Road.  One of the males was Octavenious Thomas.  The verbal altercation became physical and, as the male and the juvenile were in their vehicle leaving the scene, Thomas and another individual began shooting at the vehicle.  The juvenile, who was not involved in the altercations, was struck twice, once in the lower body and a graze wound to the lower body.  The juvenile was treated at a local hospital with non-life threatening wounds.  Thomas was apprehended soon after the call was received and charged with the shooting.  More arrests are possible.

This kind of indiscriminate violence will not be tolerated in the City of Dothan.  Dangerous actions like these will have serious consequences.  We are committed to working with the Houston/Henry County District Attorney’s Office to help prosecute individuals involved in violent crimes to the maximum extent allowed by law.  We want to thank the members of the community who provided information during the investigation.

-Chief Will Benny

Octavenious Ramarrio Thomas (36) of Dothan- Assault 1st, Att. Assault 1st, and Shooting into Occupied Vehicle, $450,000 bond
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Four Charged with Robbery After Stealing Money While Armed

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On May 26, 2025 at 6:00 pm, Dothan Police responded to reports of a robbery of a person in the 2900 block of Saint Peter Street near Ross Clark Circle.  It was reported to investigators, while the victim was visiting an acquaintance and seated in the vehicle, a person entered the passenger side of the vehicle.  The suspect pulled a firearm and demanded property.  During the robbery, it was reported three other individuals came from a residence in the 2900 block of Saint Peter Street to aid in the robbery also armed with firearms.  After the robbery, the four suspects went into a residence.  Due to the quick response from patrol officers, the residence was surrounded.  Once people were removed from the residence, the four suspects were identified as Malachi Ray (19) of Columbia, AL, Dallas Porter (18) of Dothan, Camron Jackson of Dothan, and a juvenile under the age of 18 years old.

All suspects were charged with robbery 1st degree and placed in the Houston County Jail.  The juvenile, due to the nature and seriousness of the charge, is being charged as an adult.  However, Alabama privacy laws prevent the identification of the juvenile.  This dangerous conduct will have serious consequences.  People who commit this type of crime will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

-Chief Will Benny

Malachi Jamel Ray (19) of Columbia, AL- Robbery 1st Degree, $60,000 bond
Dallas Bryce Porter (18) of Dothan- Robbery 1st Degree, $60,000 bond
Camron Deveon Jackson (18) of Dothan- Robbery 1st Degree, $60,000 bond
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Investigation Started After Body Found in Vehicle Fire

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On May 26, 2025, just before 1:00 pm, Dothan Police and Dothan Fire Departments were dispatched to a vehicle on fire in the 3500 block of Napier Field Road near the intersection of John D. Odom Road.  Dothan firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the fire and discovered a body in the vehicle.  At this time, Dothan Police investigators and Dothan Fire Marshals are working together to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire and what may have caused it.  The victim will be sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to provide an identity as well as the cause and manner of death.  This is an active, ongoing investigation.  If anyone has any information about this case, they are encouraged to call the Dothan Police Department or submit tips through Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP or P3TIPS.com.

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Person carrying replica destructive device arrested

On April 29, 2025, officers with the Dothan Police Department responded to the area of the 200 block of East Main Street after multiple citizens reported a person carrying a rocket propelled grenade launcher in the area.

Officers contacted the individual and identified him as Keyun Marquez Hill, 26, of Cowarts, Alabama. Hill was found in possession of a replica device made to resemble a rocket propelled grenade launcher. Hill was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Hoax Destructive Device and booked into the Dothan City Jail. The hoax device was seized and placed into evidence.

Hill described himself as a social media prankster and was in the process of filming content. Entertainment takes many forms, however behavior such as this that alarms numerous people and can cause panic in a public space cannot be tolerated. We urge social media content creators to use common sense when practicing their craft.

William E. Benny
Chief of Police

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Dothan Man Charged After He Drives Off with Victim’s Child in Backseat

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On April 16, 2025, Dothan Police investigators charged Isaiah Jamal Turner (32 years old) of Dothan with Interference with Custody after driving off with the victim’s child in the back seat.  The charges stem from an altercation between Turner and the victim when Turner made sexual advances, which were unwanted and rejected.  The victim, feeling uncomfortable, asked Turner to stop the vehicle.  When the vehicle stopped in the 100 block of Westgate, the victim tried to get her child.  Turner locked the doors and drove away.  Turner has been charged with one count of Interference with Custody and placed in the Houston County Jail.

Dothan Police officers responded to a business in the 100 block of Westgate Parkway in reference to a disturbance.  Officer met with the victim and they told the officers they were riding with Turner to a doctor’s appointment.  Turner made sexual advances toward the victim, which she did not want.  After being rejected, the victim asked Turner to let them out of the vehicle.  After several requests, Turner stopped and the victim got out of the vehicle.  As the victim was trying to get a child out of the backseat, Turner locked the doors and drove away from the scene.  In phone calls to Turner, he refused to return the child.

As officers were taking information and preparing to issue alerts for the child, an officer noticed a vehicle looking like Turner’s at the Dothan City Jail.  The driver was identified as Turner and he had the child, who is under the age of two, in his vehicle.  Turner was taken into custody since he was in no way related to the child and had no legal basis for taking the child.  As a result, Turner was charged with Interference with Custody.  The child was reunited with the victim.

Isaiah Jamal Turner (32) of Dothan- Interference with Custody, $15,000 bond
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Grace Bridges Murder Solved; Suspect in Custody after 15 years

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On March 17, 2010, Dothan Police Officers responded to Dedert’s Furniture Store at 966 South Park Avenue for reports of a person suffering a medical event.  When officers arrived, they realized the victim, who was identified as Grace Bell Bridges, was suffering from a single gunshot wound.  Tragically, Grace Bridges was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The investigation led investigators in 2010 to believe the motive was an attempted robbery that led to the death of Bridges.  Unfortunately, the case went unsolved for more than 15 years despite some promising leads.

No murder case that is unsolved is ever closed.  Cold cases are regularly reviewed as technology evolves and new investigators are assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division.  Investigators, armed with a fresh perspective, went over the evidence and reinterviewed witnesses as a part of the review for this case.  After the review, investigators felt they had enough evidence to seek an indictment of the person they believed was responsible for the crime.  In consultation with the District Attorney’s Office and District Attorney Russ Goodman, investigators presented their evidence to a Houston County Grand Jury.  On April 9, 2025, the Houston County Grand Jury returned an indictment on the suspect, a 32 year old male who was 17 at the time of the crime, for the murder of Grace Bridges.  The subject was taken into custody on the outstanding murder indictment on April 9, 2025 and placed in the Houston County Jail.  Since the offender was under 18 at the time of the crime, Alabama Juvenile Privacy laws prohibit releasing any other information.

While the case had gone unsolved, investigators never gave up in trying to identify Grace Bridges’ killer and bring them to justice.  It is our hope that Grace Bridges’ family can finally feel some semblance of peace knowing her killer has been identified and charged even though we know nothing can bring Grace back.  The unwavering determination of investigators in 2010 as well as the investigators who obtained the indictment is a testament to their relentless pursuit of justice to identify those responsible for the death of Grace Bridges and bring them to justice for her family.  Our thoughts are with Grace Bridges’ family as they move to the next chapter in their search for justice for Grace’s death.

The Dothan Police Department extends our deepest gratitude to the numerous witnesses who came forward from 2010 to 2025 and to Grace Bridges’ family for their steadfast commitment to justice and support of the Dothan Police Department.

-Chief Will Benny

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