On Thursday, June 22, 2023, at approximately 11:15 AM, Dothan Police Officers responded to Dollar General on Westgate Parkway in reference to individuals passing counterfeit currency. It was reported the suspects were on a white Tesla passenger car and had already left the business. While officers were there, it was learned the same suspects had either attempted or completed similar fraudulent activities at several other Dollar Generals in the surrounding area, both inside and outside of Dothan. It is unknown at this time if these individuals are responsible for similar crimes in other states.
Business personnel at the Dollar General were able to advise officers the suspects were at another Dollar General Store in Midland City at that moment. A Dothan officer arrived at that location to find the suspect vehicle leaving. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, however, the vehicle refused to stop and made several evasive maneuvers attempting to prevent apprehension. This led to a vehicle pursuit going north on Highway 231. During the pursuit, suspects began throwing U.S. Currency out of the windows. It was later determined the U. S. Currency was counterfeit. The speeds of the pursuit reached a level that was determined to be unsafe for those involved as well as others on the highway. The Dothan officer terminated the pursuit north of Midland City on Highway 231.
Within minutes, the Dothan Communication Center received notification from Ozark Police Department that they had the suspect vehicle stopped and three suspects in custody. This was after the suspect vehicle attempted to flee from Ozark officers as well. Ozark was already looking for the same vehicle due to information that was disseminated to them earlier today about the same vehicle and suspects committing a crime in Henry County.
It is very early in what is going to be a lengthy investigation that will consist of several more man hours, interviews, evidence collection and processing, and collaboration with multiple other agencies.
As for now, Dothan Police Department has arrested three suspects and charged them each with ten counts of Unauthorized Possession of a Forged Instrument First Degree. Those suspects are:
Shelby Eugene Pole Jr., 19 years old of Tampa, Fl
Iyanna Lashawn Pole, 20 years old of Tampa, FL
Tramel Michael Newson, 23 years old of Tampa, FL
This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are pending.