Dothan Police Department

October 10, 2025

Police Act Quickly When Threats Target School; Juvenile Arrested

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On October 9, 2025, the Dothan Police Department was made aware of threats made on social media targeting a Dothan City School. An individual made threats to commit a targeted act of violence against Dothan High School the following Monday (October 13^th). Criminal investigators immediately began working on the case. The person who made the threat was identified as a student at the school.

Once the student was identified, contact was made with the student as well as forensic analysis of their social media accounts. As a result of the investigation, the juvenile was arrested for Making Terrorist Threats 2^nd degree and placed in the Southeast Alabama Diversion Center. Due to the juvenile’s age, no further information can be released. Dothan City Schools will follow up with discipline according to their student code of conduct.

The Dothan Police Department takes all threats serious, especially those made towards a school. We will not allow anyone to terrorize our students, faculty, staff, or parents by making ill-advised statements indicating threats of violence. We are thankful to the individuals that shared this information with us so we could act. The strongest deterrent to violence and crime is a community willing to take a strong stand against it in partnership with the police.

-Chief William E. Benny

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October 7, 2025

Man Arrested for Impersonating Police After Concerned Citizen Calls Police

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On October 7, 2025 at about 9:30 am, Dothan Police Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Fifth Avenue for a suspicious person call. The caller told dispatchers a man come to the door and claimed to be a Dothan Police Officer. The citizen asked for identification to verify the man was with Dothan Police. The man never showed identification and eventually left the property. The citizen, concerned about the interaction, called the Dothan Police Department to inquire if an officer really was at her residence.

As officers arrived in the area, the suspect, identified as Michael Darvous Pickett (23) of Dothan, was found in the area and positively identified as the person posing as a Dothan Police Officer. After questioning, Pickett admitted to saying he was a Dothan Police Officer more than once. It is unlawful for anyone to impersonate any law enforcement officer and perform an act in that capacity. Pickett was arrested and charged with one felony count of Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer. Pickett was placed in the Houston County Jail.

People who impersonate law enforcement is especially concerning for citizens in our community. We encourage citizens to ask for identification and verify the identity of plain clothes officers. Officers will confirm their identity through showing a badge or credentials. If you are still suspicious, you can call the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 to verify employment. We are grateful for the citizen who showed great situational awareness during this incident.

-Chief William E. Benny

Michael Darvous Pickett (23) of Dothan- Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer

October 1, 2025

Dothan Man Charged with Manslaughter-Fentanyl for September 20th Death

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On September 20, 2025, just before 3:00 am, Dothan Police Officers responded to the intersection of West Powell Street and North Herring Street for reports of a suspicious vehicle. The person reporting told dispatchers a silver passenger car was sitting at the intersection for over 30 minutes without moving. When officers arrived, they found a male unresponsive in the driver’s seat. Officers noticed the victim was not breathing and started life saving treatment, including Narcan. After a period of time, the victim, identified as Joel William Nicholson (41) of Dothan, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators began to collect evidence in the event Nicholson’s death was determined to not be natural.

On October 1, 2025, investigators received a preliminary autopsy result that Nicholson’s cause of death was the result of fentanyl. Investigators were able to find the person who supplied Nicholson with the fentanyl. Also on October 1^st, criminal investigators along with narcotics investigators executed a search warrant on the suspect’s residence in the 400 block of Pine Hills Drive. The suspect, identified as Vikthor Shean Roman (39), was taken into custody. Investigators located various pills and drug paraphernalia in the residence during the search.

Roman was taken to the Dothan Police Department where he admitted to supplying Nicholson with the fentanyl. Roman was charged with Manslaughter-Fentanyl for supplying fentanyl and it being the proximate cause of Nicholson’s death. Roman was taken to the Houston County Jail and is being held without bond.

Fentanyl is a dangerous substance that affects the lives of many in our community. Those who are possessing and/or distributing this dangerous substance in our community will be found, will be arrested, and will be prosecuted to the fullest allowed by law. We take our responsibility seriously to get these dangerous drugs off the street to protect our community. Our thoughts are with Nicholson’s family and friends as they continue to grieve. Additional charges are possible.

-Chief William E. Benny

Vikthor Shean Roman (39) of Dothan- Manslaughter-Fentanyl, No bond

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September 24, 2025

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.

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September 13, 2025

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 1^st 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

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September 10, 2025

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

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August 6, 2025

Drug Manufacturers Arrested in Search for Alleged Murderer from Texas

(DOTHAN, Al) On the morning of August 6^th, 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 1^st, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Terrence Mathews was arrested for Drug Trafficking, Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance 1^st, 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.

August 4, 2025August 4, 2025

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.

July 21, 2025

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

July 15, 2025

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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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

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