(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On October 12, 2025, just before 4:00 pm, the Dothan Police Department, along with several other agencies, responded to reports of active gunfire at Wiregrass Commons Mall.  As officers were responding, the call was upgraded to a person suffering a gunshot wound.  When officers arrived on scene, they immediately began giving medical treatment to the person struck by gunfire.  Once the scene was clear, Dothan Fire Department paramedics transported the person shot to a local hospital for treatment.  The person who was shot is in critical condition.

During the investigation, it was discovered that a male individual was inside the Not Just Cuts barber shop inside Wiregrass Commons Mall.  As the individual was getting a haircut, three individuals entered the business.  One of the three individuals, Korion Michael Salter (20) of Dothan, began making threats and displayed a firearm.  The individual in the barber shop responded by pulling his firearm and a shootout ensued from both individuals.  During the gunfire, Salter was struck by multiple bullets fired from the individual in the barbershop.  A second suspect, Sharier AlQuan Caesar (25) of Greenville, North Carolina, also fired rounds at the individual in the barbershop.

After the shooting, the individual that was originally in the barbershop hid in a back room and waited for police to arrive.  This person has been cooperating with the investigation.  As a result of this incident, Sharief Caesar has been charged with Attempted Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Building.  Caesar is currently being sought by the Dothan Police Department.  Additional charges are possible on Caesar.  In the event Salter recovers, it is possible he could be charged as well.

When the shooting happened, the officers and investigators involved in the case made a commitment to each other and the community.  That commitment was to find those responsible and get them off the streets of the City of Dothan.  This type of violence will not be tolerated, and we will work with the Houston County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent allowed by law.  It is time for the violence to stop.  We encourage everyone to debate with words, not bullets.  Disagree verbally, not violently.  The impact of this incident cannot be estimated in just those who received physical injuries but mental injuries as well.  When the community refuses to stand silent on these acts of violence, we only get stronger as a community and as a city.  We are committed to continuing our partnership with the community to combat acts of violence like this.

-Chief William E. Benny