June 2024 – Dothan Police Department

June 10, 2024

Enterprise Man Arrested for Stalking Victim Over 8 Days; Puts Electronic Tracker on Vehicle

On June 10, 2024, Dothan Police Investigators arrested Jeremie Michael Spencer (43) of Enterprise, AL for Domestic Violence 2^nd degree (stalking 1^st degree with relationship) and Electronic Stalking 1^st degree after an investigation into incidents between May 20, 2024 and May 28, 2024. The victim and Spencer have a previous qualifying relationship under Alabama law. Investigators found Spencer had made or sent threatening text messages and phone calls to the victim over 50 times during this eight-day period. The victim found a tracking device on the vehicle after statements made during one of the phone calls. Video surveillance from the area, obtained by investigators, showed Spencer placing the device on the vehicle days earlier.

The investigation started on May 29, 2024 when the victim reported being harassed by Spencer. Spencer had sent several text messages containing threats and insults. Spencer had also called to threaten violence against the victim several times over the previous eight-day period. Investigators received enough information to obtain two felony warrants for Spencer’s arrest. One warrant charged Spencer for Domestic Violence 2^nd degree involving stalking. The second warrant charged Spencer with Electronic Stalking 1^st degree. Spencer was arrested on June 10, 2024 and transported to the Houston County Jail. Spencer is being held without bond.

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 Dothan at 334-793-2232.

Jeremie Spencer (43) of Enterprise- Domestic Violence 2nd Degree and Eletronic Stalking 1st Degree, No bond.

June 6, 2024

Dothan Man Arrested for Shooting an Unoccupied Car; Being Felon in Possession of Firearm

On June 5, 2024, Dothan Investigators arrested Willie Edward Franklin (38) of Dothan for Shooting into an Unoccupied Vehicle and Certain Person Forbidden to Possess a Firearm after an investigation into a shooting in the 1000 block of South Bell Street. The suspect was identified by surveillance footage in the area. The motivation for the shooting is still under investigation. No injuries were reported, but a vehicle on the street was struck once by gunfire. Once Franklin was identified, it was determined Franklin was forbidden to possess a firearm by Alabama law. Franklin was booked into the Houston County Jail with no bond.

On June 4, 2024, Dothan Police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 1000 block of South Bell Street. When they arrived, the suspects were gone from the area. While investigating the shooting, officers located multiple shell casings in the area and found a vehicle had been struck by gunfire. Criminal Investigators were assigned to the case.

Investigators were able to interview witnesses and review video cameras in the area. Franklin was identified as the person who fired the round that struck the vehicle. A review of Franklin’s criminal history showed a criminal conviction that made it unlawful for him to possess a firearm. Investigators located and arrested Franklin. He was charged with one count of Shooting into an Unoccupied Vehicle and one count of Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm. The investigation is still ongoing. If anyone has any information about this crime, they are encouraged to call the Dothan Police Department at 334615-3632 or 334-793-0215.

Willie Edward Franklin (38) of Dothan- Shooting into Unoccupied Vehicle and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm, No Bond

June 4, 2024

Dothan Police Officer Injured While Responding to a Burglary in Progress Call

On Tuesday June 4, 2024, Dothan Police Communications Center received a call of a burglary in progress in the 1100 block of South Bell Street. The person calling reported that the suspect attempted to enter through the front door but was unsuccessful. It was believed the suspect was in the back yard of the residence. Officers started responding to the call using emergency lights and sirens. During the response, an officer was involved in a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of West Main Street and Montana Street.

The crash severely damaged a utility pole, and the police vehicle was totaled. The officer sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by Pilcher’s Ambulance to an area hospital for treatment.

While the injuries to the officer were serious, we are thankful the injuries were not worse given the severity of the crash. We are also thankful that no one else was involved. As a normal procedure after an officer-involved crash, crash investigators responded to the scene and are currently sorting through the available data and video recordings of the event.

Emergency responses are inherently dangerous but necessary during the course of an officer’s tour of duty. The balance between catching a criminal and injuring an innocent person, or ourselves is something we take very seriously. The investigation into what happened, why it happened and how we can prevent it in the future is underway.

We would like to thank our fire personnel, ambulance personnel and hospital staff, nurses and doctors who treated our officer and to the electrical workers who responded to quickly repair the damage.