Friday Night Vehicle Accident Turns Out To Be The Result Of A Gunshot Wound

On March 4, 2022, Dothan Police Officers responded to the 1300 block of Judson Street for an accident involving a motor vehicle and a residential structure.  Upon arrival, officers quickly discovered the driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, had at least one gunshot wound to the upper torso area.  Dothan Fire and Rescue preformed life saving measures on the victim but he was determined to be deceased.

Criminal Investigators began an investigation at that point.  It was determined the victim received at least one gunshot wound to the upper torso, which was determined to be fatal.  This led to the vehicle driving thru a chain link fence, hitting an electrical pole, and colliding with a residence.  There was minimal damage to the residence and very significant damage to the vehicle.  The victim has been identified as Kevin Montrea Jones, 36 years old, from Albany, GA.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing.  Police are asking anyone with information related to this matter to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000, or Crime Stoppers at 334-793-7000.  The Dothan Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help in an anonymous capacity.

Dothan Police Department Awarded Over $50,000 to Improve Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness

The Dothan Police Department has been awarded $50,018 through the 2021 Law Enforcement Mental Health & Wellness Act (LEMHWA), funded through the US Department of Justice COPS Office.

Officers respond to a variety of traumatic events, each affecting the mental health of personnel at every level of the organization, from responding officers to support staff. As a result, law enforcement personnel are at a greater risk for a variety of serious mental health issues, including depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The grant funds will provide a series of training seminars named “Body Armor: Protecting Those That Protect Us”. These seminars will provide services for Wiregrass area law enforcement officers, civilian staff, and their spouses and/or parents by providing professional guidance on officer emotional and mental health. The program will focus on areas such as peer support, suicide prevention, stress reduction, and police officer family services.

The well-respected Sheriff Tim Whitcomb of Cattaraugus County, New York and esteemed Dr. Tim Faulk will share their personal experiences and professional knowledge in officer wellness and resiliency. Officers and support staff are encouraged to register for this event at www.dothanpd.org. You do not want to miss these stories of heroism and triumph!

 

This project was supported, in whole or in part by federal award number 15JCOPS-21-GG-02161-SLEM awarded to the City of Dothan, Alabama by the US Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The opinions contained herein are those of the author(s) or contributor(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of policies of the US Department of Justice.

CALEA Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment

On behalf of The Dothan Police Department, we are excited to announce a team of assessors from the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA ®), will conduct a virtual assessment on March 21-22, 2022 to examine all aspects of the Dothan Police Department’s policy and procedures, management, operations and support services.

Verification by the assessment team that Dothan Police Department meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation, a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence.

As a part of this virtual assessment, agency personnel and members of the community are invited to attend to offer comments at a public information zoom session on March 21, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM to speak with a CALEA assessor. The public information session will be held at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center located at 100 Public Safety Way Dothan, Alabama.

If you have questions or concerns and are unable to attend the zoom session, there will be a call-in session scheduled for March 22, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM to speak to a CALEA assessor regarding our accreditation.

Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes to accommodate all concerns and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA Standards. A copy of the CALEA standards is available in the lobby at the Dothan Police Department located at 210 N. St. Andrews St. Dothan, Alabama. If you have any questions about this zoom session or call-in session prior to the dates listed above, contact Sergeant Jonathan Godwin at 334-615-3668.

Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Dothan Police Department’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation may send them to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, Virginia 20155.

 

William E Benny
Chief of Police

Traffic Fatality at Redmond Road

On February 24, 2022, Dothan Police Traffic investigators were dispatched to a traffic accident at the intersection of Flynn Road and Redmond Road. Two vehicles were involved in the accident. Upon arrival of officers, it was determined that the driver of the silver Dodge minivan, Judy Oppert, of Taylor, Alabama was deceased at the scene. The occupants of the other vehicle were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The accident is currently under investigation by the Dothan Police Traffic Division.

The Dothan Police Department would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Oppert and to those involved in the accident.

Dothan officer involved in shooting incident

On February 17, 2022, Dothan Police Officers were working the scene of a recovered stolen vehicle in the 2800 block of Montgomery Highway. A vehicle that was unrelated to the stolen vehicle drove through the crime scene, struck a Dothan Patrol vehicle and continued towards the Officers.

Officers gave commands for the driver to stop, which were not acknowledged. To avoid being struck by the vehicle a Dothan Police Officer fired at the suspect. After shots were fired, the vehicle continued south on Montgomery Highway, struck the stolen vehicle, and traveled down an embankment coming to rest near a building.

Dothan Officers gave emergency medical aid to the driver immediately after the incident. The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

In accordance with policy a request was made to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Bureau of Investigations to respond to the scene and conduct an investigation. Any further questions should be directed to the State Bureau of Investigations.

William E. Benny
Chief of Police

Friday Night Argument Leads to Murder in Dothan

On February 4, 2022, Dothan Police Officers responded to an address in the 300 block of Rimson Road for an edged weapon assault.  When officers arrived on scene, the victim was suffering from multiple stab wounds to his chest and shoulder.  The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.  Patrol officers responding to information gathered from the scene were able to locate the suspect a short distance from the scene.  Dothan Police Investigators began working the crime scene.  The victim was identified as Frenando Quantrill Jones (41) of Dothan.

According to witnesses, Jones and the suspect, Latrevius Thomas-Jackson, became involved in an argument over Thomas-Jackson’s treatment of a female in Jones’ presence.  The argument turned into a physical altercation where only minor injuries were reported.  Thomas-Jackson then went to the kitchen of the residence, grabbed a large kitchen knife, and returned to continue the altercation with Jones.  During the next physical altercation, Thomas-Jackson used the knife to stab Jones multiple times.  Jones fled the scene after the incident.  Investigators were able to locate the weapon they believe was involved in the incident after statements made by Jones.

Latrevius Hyshon Thomas-Jackson (22) was charged with Murder and is being held on $1.5 million bond.

Letrevius Thomas-Jackson- Murder

Dothan Woman Charged with Murder After Assault on Pregnant Victim

On January 24, 2022, Dothan Police Officers responded to a disturbance call in the 100 block of Shadowlawn Drive in Dothan.  According to witnesses, the victim and the suspect, Iveonna Turner, got into a physical altercation at that address.  During the altercation, Turner struck the victim, who was pregnant, several times in the stomach using her hands and feet during the assault.  After the incident, the victim sought medical treatment for pain in her stomach.

A medical examination confirmed the assault lead to injuries of the fetus that left the fetus unviable and unable to survive.  In the State of Alabama, a fetus, regardless of its viability, is considered a person.  Turner, as a result of the incident, has been charged with murder.

Iveonna Samone Lashay Turner (20) of Dothan has been charged with Murder.  Turner’s bond has been set at $500,000.

Iveonna Turner- Murder

Announcing the 26th Annual K9 Seminar

The Dothan Police Department will be hosting its 26th Annual K9 Seminar. The seminar will be held February 7 through 11, 2022. K9 teams are expected to participate from all over the southeast region. Training will focus on narcotics and explosives detection, patrol apprehension and tracking. Each media outlet is being afforded the opportunity to come out an observe. For further information you may contact Lieutenant W.E. Wozniak at (334) 615-3916.

The video and photos below are from the Department’s 24th Annual K9 Seminar.

Anonymous Prescription Drug Drop Box

The Dothan Police Department has a prescription drug drop box located in the lobby of the police department at 210 North Saint Andrews Street.

In 2021 we safely destroyed over 250 pounds of medications, keeping them out of the hands of children and unauthorized persons.

Simply walk into the lobby Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 and drop the containers into the locked drop box. No need to speak with anyone.

A technician and witness will collect drugs from the container and safely dispose of the items in an incinerator for you.

Kulture City Invitation and Proclamation

The Dothan Police Department would like to Invite you to join us for the presentation of a proclamation and certification from KultureCity.

Dothan Police Department

This venue is certified as a trained and trusted advocate for those with sensory needs.

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our program.

We are honored to be partnered with you.

KultureCity

Who:   All are Invited! Dothan Citizens, Press and Families and Friends of those with Sensory Needs are welcome to attend.

What:  KultureCity Presentation of Certification to Dothan Police Department of Sensory Inclusive™ First Responder Certification

When: January 18, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Wiregrass Training Center

100 Public Safety Way, Dothan, AL 36303

Why:   Becoming Sensory Inclusive™ Certified helps first responders serve all citizens regardless of their sensory needs, mental health challenges or invisible disabilities.

Based on the research presented by KultureCity

  • The current US Census shows 1 in 6 individuals has a sensory need and this demographic continues to increase.
  • Responding to an individual with a sensory need is different and challenging.
  • Whether a First Responder has training in how to approach someone with invisible disabilities can make a vital difference at crucial times.
  • People with invisible disabilities (ID) tend to react differently and get overwhelmed more easily than neurotypical individuals due to various sensory sensitivities.
  • These factors, along with the communication challenges, means there is a lot of opportunity for confusion and actions that can be misinterpreted or cause additional escalation during emergency situations.
  • These behaviors include avoiding eye contact, being unsteady on their feet, appearing agitated or pacing, not complying with directions, and being sensitive to touch.

No R.S.V.P. needed, for more information call Captain David at 334.615.3610

Copyright © 2017-25 City of Dothan, Alabama