DOTHAN: 09:00 AM Houston County Sheriff Deputies have been doing evictions this morning. One of the places Houston County Sheriff Deputies were conducting an eviction was in the 600 block of Chapelwood Drive in Dothan.
Houston County Sheriff Deputies called for additional deputies and backed off the immediate eviction, however had Deputies still in place awaiting back up deputies to arrive on the scene.
Houston County Sheriff Deputies began activating the SWAT Unit.
At 09:33 AM Houston County Sheriff Deputies called for Dothan Fire Department that they felt the barricaded suspect had set the house on fire. Dothan Fire Engine 3 ( Whatley Drive ) and other Dothan Fire units and Pilcher Ambulance responded. Dothan Police also responded.
On arrival of Dothan Fire Engine Company they reported smoke visible followed shortly thereafter flames visible. That was followed by reports two shots were fired and later that shots were fired from the window of the house.
Dothan Fire Department, assisted and protected by law enforcement, were in an attempted offensive position on the fire and a defensive position on the fire.
After a short brief period the person inside the house is reported to have taken his life. Once confirmed by law enforcement and law enforcement declared the scene safe Dothan Fire Department began an offensive attack to get the fire under control.
This was a Houston County Sheriff Department call and Dothan Police Department had not been requested and Dothan Police response was when Dothan Fire was dispatched. Once determined suspect had taken his life and fire department could make entry, the emergency was downgraded. Dothan Police have remained on the scene with Dothan Fire Department but this is a Houston County Sheriff Department call. Dothan Police will remain on the scene with Dothan Fire Department and if requested assist the Sheriff Department.
A lot of people, even some who have run for Sheriff, never realized the responsibilities of a Sheriff in addition to law enforcement. The Sheriff Department serve civil process for courts, conduct evictions, sieze property on judgments from the court. The Sheriff is the keeper of the county jail, which is running 100 over capacity, daily, The Sheriff has to be guardian for those deemed unable to mentally unable to manage their affairs or no family. The Sheriff has to make decisions on end of life on some of those responsible for guardianship.
The Sheriff has more responsibility than just law enforcement.
UPDATED @ 4:50 PM
PRESS RELEASE – HOUSTON COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
On November 7, 2025 The Houston County Sheriff’s Office responded to 607 Chapelwood Drive in effort to serve an eviction. Upon our arrival, contact was made with David Lee Smith at the front door. Immediately upon Mr. Smith observing our deputies, he slammed the door shut and barricaded the front door.
Additional personnel arrived on scene quickly and attempted to call him out. Deputies on scene observed smoke coming from the residence. Dothan Fire was requested and responded accordingly.
In a very short period of time after smoke was observed, our deputies heard a gunshot come from within the residence. Once we were able to gain entry into the residence Mr. Smith was located and determined to be deceased.
Once the scene was considered safe, Dothan Fire began their efforts to extinguish the fire. Investigators with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office responded. As a result of our preliminary investigation, it was evident that once Mr. Smith had barricaded himself inside the residence he started multiple fires throughout the structure. He worked his way to the front of the residence, entered a room that was not on fire, and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The body will be sent to the ADFS Medical Examiner’s Office for an Autopsy.
Mr. Smith had recently been divorced and throughout that process was not awarded the house. He continued to stay at the residence even after the Judge’s order.
Sgt. B. Barnes
