Woman Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle on South Park Avenue

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On September 24, 2025, just after 1:00 am, Dothan Police officers responded to the 1200 block of South Park Avenue for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle.  When they arrived, officers found the female victim in the roadway.  The victim, identified as Fatimah Ali Borders (45) of Dothan, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the preliminary investigation, a SUV was driving on South Park Avenue when Borders entered the roadway.  Borders was struck by the vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle stopped their vehicle and remained on scene until police arrived.  The driver fully cooperated with the investigation.  No further information is available as this is an ongoing investigation.  No charges are expected at this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Fatimah Borders as they grieve in this difficult time.

 

###

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

###

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

 

###

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

 

###

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

Most Wanted of June 2025

1.) David Lashaun Flowers (45 years old)- Sex Offender Violation

Black Male- 6 foot 8 inches tall, 180 lbs, Black hair and brown eyes

 

On June 1, 2025, Flowers, who is required to register with the Dothan Police Department as required after a sex conviction, failed to register for the month of May as required by law.  Flowers’ location is currently unknown but last known to live in the area of Justice Court in Dothan.  Flowers is wanted for violation of the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, which is a Class C felony.

 

2.) Timothy Garrett Wells (33 years old)- Theft of Lost Property 3rd Degree

White Male- 6 foot 2 inches tall, 275 lbs., Black Hair and black eyes

 

On May 11, 2025, Wells sold a cell phone, valued at $700, to an Ecoatm at a retail store in the 2100 block of South Oates Street.  Wells was captured on video selling the item, which was left in a Lyft Ride service vehicle.  Wells’ location is unknown but was last living in Interlachan, Florida.  Wells is charged with Theft of Lost Property 3rd degree, which is a Class D Felony.

 

3.) Charles Tyrone Thomas (38 years old)- Domestic Violence 3rd Degree (Felony)

Black Female 5 foot 8 inches tall, 182 lbs., black hair and brown eyes

 

On May 26, 2025, Thomas grabbed the victim by the throat and shoved the victim during an argument.  Thomas has two previous convictions for Domestic Violence 3rd, which means this charge upgrades to a felony.  Thomas’ last known address was on Parker Street in Dothan.  Thomas has been charged with Domestic Violence 3rd degree, which is a Class C felony.

 

4.) Adrian Javarie Harris (19 years old)- Burglary 3rd Degree

Black Male 6 foot 0 inches tall, 173 lbs., black hair and brown eyes

 

On June 24, 2025, Harris unlawfully entered a residence in the 300 block of Webb Road by climbing through a window with the intent to steal items from the residence.  Harris stole various items from the home.  It was reported this may not be the only burglary committed by Harris.  Harris was last living on Sycamore Street in Dothan.  Harris has been charged with Burglary 3rd degree, which is a Class C felony.

 

 

5.) Justin Bryon Stroud (29 years old)- Assault 2nd degree

Black male 5 foot 7 inches tall, 153 lbs., black hair and brown eyes

 

On June 16, 2025, Stroud was involved in a verbal altercation with the victim.  During the argument, Stroud picked the victim up and threw them to the ground, which caused serious injuries to the victim’s leg.  While on the ground, Stroud then kicked the victim in the face resulting in broken bones.  Stroud’s last known address was on West Lafayette Street in Dothan.  Stroud was charged with Assault 2nd degree, which is a Class C felony.

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.

 

###

Copyright © 2017-25 City of Dothan, Alabama