UPDATE @ 12:24:
RSN received a press release on the matter — you can read the entire release below.
On April 18, 2025, Deputies with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 700 Block of WG Bond Road in reference to a Domestic Assault. Upon arrival the victim was located near a wood line some distance from her residence. It was determined the offender was still inside the victim’s residence. Wicksburg Rescue responded to the scene and transported her to a local hospital. As Deputies attempted to make contact with the offender, it was determined the offender had barricaded himself inside the residence.
The Houston County Special Response Team along with negotiators were requested and arrived on scene. Negotiators attempted to make contact with the offender and received no response. At approximately 0820 hours on April 18, 2025, Franklin Anthony Brown Jr. was detained and transported to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators determined during the early morning hours of April 18, 2025, Mr. Brown used forced to overcome the victim’s resistance to receive a sexual act. Mr. Brown began assaulting the victim by striking her multiple times with his fist and a hammer. During the assault he placed a pillow case over her head and used an extension cord to tie her up. Before abandoning the victim, he poured Clorox over her and attempted to ignite her body. The victim was able to free herself and leave the residence. She was able to find a safe place and called 911.
As a result of our investigation, Franklin Anthony Brown Jr. a 28 year old male was arrested and charged with Kidnapping I, Sodomy I, and Domestic Violence II/Assault II. He will be held in the Houston County Jail without bond. An Anaih’s Law Hearing will be requested from the 20th Judicial Circuit.
RSN spoke with Sgt. Brandon Barnes from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office shortly after the release was disseminated.
“It is unknown the extent of her injuries at this time. The information received from the victim was verified to be accurate and true,” he said.
HOUSTON COUNTY: Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza and members of Houston County Sheriff Department are on a scene on W G Bond In Wicksburg.
In a situation that unfolded during the night which Houston County Sheriff Patrol Deputies responded to eventually evolved in to a stand off.
Houston County Sheriff SRT ( Special Response Team ) responded.
A victim was transported to a Dothan hospital. At this time it is unknown all of the circumstances of why the subject is wanted.
As more information is available RSN will update.
09:23 AM Sheriff Deputies are returning to service at this time.
UPDATED @ 09:28 AM
A incident that began around 4:00 AM that has just ended with the apprehension of the suspect.
Based on the best information available a female victim was able to alert Houston County 911 of an assault and possibly being held against her will. Houston County Sheriff Patrol Deputies responded. As the information developed Command Staff was notified and the Sheriff SRT Team responded. Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza confirmed that was about 4:15 AM this morning.
The suspect was held up inside the house. The female victim was able to escape. After unsuccessful attempts to get the suspect to voluntarily exit the residence the Sheriff BEARCAT Armored vehicle was deployed. This vehicle has a ramming device that can be extended.
The BEARCAT Armored vehicle was used to ram the windows in the house. After a couple of windows were taken out the suspect, with arms in the air, realized “recess was over”. They were not playing.
The suspect then surrendered himself to law enforcement with no one injured.
At this time the best information available is a female was reported to have possibly been sexually assaulted by the male suspect. Then the male suspect used something to burn the victim. The device was a torch or lighters to burn the victim.
The female victim has been transported to a Dothan hospital.
Houston County Sheriff Department Criminal Investigation Division is investigating.
