A good person was taken from us far too soon by the actions of a common criminal, and there are no words that can fully capture the grief and outrage we all feel.
On behalf of the entire Police Department, I want to express our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones. Our hearts are with you during this unimaginable time.
I also want to say how incredibly proud I am of the men and women of this department. From the moment this occurred, our officers, investigators, and support staff responded with urgency, professionalism, and compassion. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible are held fully accountable.
Violence like this has no place in our city. We will not stop working to protect our neighborhoods and to honor the life that was lost through our continued dedication to public safety.
Please keep the victim’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
Dawson Spivey Joins Jett Motorsports for Rattler 125 and Expanded Pro Late Model Schedule
SLOCOMB, Ala. — Dawson Spivey is set to take the next step in his Pro Late Model career, officially joining Jett Motorsports, also known as the Jett Concrete Team, an Orange Park, Florida–based operation, as he prepares for a run in the Rattler 125 at South Alabama Speedway and an expanded slate of regional events.
Spivey enters this new chapter with momentum. During the 2025 season, he made multiple Pro Late Model starts at Crisp Motorsports Park driving for Jett Noland Motorsports, where he logged valuable seat time against experienced competition. Those outings produced one top-10 finish and one top-five, results that underscored steady improvement and race-to-race progression.
Those performances helped lay the groundwork for what comes next. Now joining Jett Motorsports, Spivey will draw on the program’s experience in race management, long-run consistency, and preparation for marquee events—preparation that now points directly toward the Rattler 125, one of the most demanding Pro Late Model races in the Southeast.
“Every start last year was about learning and getting sharper,” Spivey said. “The finishes at Cordele showed we’re moving in the right direction. At these bigger races, a lot comes into play—cautions, tire strategy, and how the race unfolds. A big part of it is being there at the end, keeping your equipment together, avoiding trouble, and having a good team around you to help make the right calls so you can put together complete weekends.”
Spivey also expressed excitement about driving the No. 9, a car number that carries significant history within the Jett Motorsports organization. The No. 9 has been associated with major victories and elite-level drivers, and Spivey acknowledged the responsibility that comes with representing a number that has already proven itself at the highest levels of short-track racing.
“It means a lot to be in that car,” Spivey said. “The No. 9 has a lot of history behind it. I’m grateful for the opportunity and focused on doing my part to respect what that number represents.”
Spivey highlighted the opportunity to work with Patt Jett and Kurt Jett, noting that leadership and decision-making on the pit box are often the difference in events where execution and timing matter as much as raw speed.
“They’ve won it all,” Spivey said. “Patt and Kurt know how to prepare, how to manage races, and how to win. To be given the opportunity to drive for a program with that level of experience is an honor, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Jett Motorsports brings a proven résumé to the partnership under the leadership of Patt and Kurt Jett. The organization has captured a Rattler 125 victory with Bubba Pollard and was recently part of the winning effort at the Snowball Derby, one of Super Late Model racing’s crown-jewel events. Over the years, the team has fielded a deep roster of talent, including Kaden Honeycutt, Kyle Benjamin, Derek Thorn, Jeff Choquette, Stephen Nasse, Jett Noland, and Corey Heim.
Beyond the Rattler 125, Spivey’s plans include continued seat time at Crisp Motorsports Park along with appearances at additional regional events. The schedule is designed to place him in deep, competitive fields while accelerating development through repetition against strong competition.
Spivey also expressed appreciation for James Finch, describing him as a trusted mentor whose guidance and perspective have been especially valuable throughout his development.
Spivey will be supported this season by a growing group of partners, including Advantage Contracting, LLC; Spivey’s Heating & Air; McAllister Painting LLC; Jett Concrete Inc.; and Donaghey Mechanical.
FEDERAL CONVICTION FROM 2021 ON MURDER SUSPECT TODAY
Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that three Dothan, Alabama residents have been sentenced for their roles in stealing guns from licensed firearms dealers. On July 8, 2021, 19-year-old Michael T. Taylor was sentenced to 26 months in prison. Previously, on June 9, 2021, 20-year old JYB was sentenced to 36 months and, lastly, on May 12, 2021, 21-year old MRW, was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment. Following each of their prison sentences, they will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on August 6, 2019, Baxter, acting alone, burglarized Performance Machine Works in Dothan, Alabama and stole five firearms, including a Glock, model 27, .40 caliber pistol; a Glock, model 20, 10mm pistol; a Glock, model 48, 9mm pistol; an FN, model 509T, 9mmm pistol; and, a Remington, model 1911 R1, .45 caliber pistol. Then, on September 6, 2019, B, Taylor, and W all conspired to burglarize The Outpost, a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Dothan, Alabama, in order to steal guns. They made entry into the building by using hand tools to remove material and breach the business’ back wall to avoid setting off the alarm. A total of nine firearms were taken from The Outpost, including a BCM, model BCM4, 5.56 mm rifle; a Caracal, model F, 9mm pistol; an I.O. Inc., model BSR-74, 5.45mm rifle; a Kel-Tec, model P11, 9mm pistol; a Romarm/Cugir, model WASR-10, 7.62mm rifle; a Romarm/Cugir, model WASR-10UF, 7.62mm rifle; a Taurus, model 24/7 G2, 9mm pistol; and, two (2) Taurus, model G2C, 9mm pistols.
The three defendants were indicted for unlawfully taking firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and conspiracy to steal from an FFL in connection with the September 6, 2019 burglary. Baxter was indicted on an additional charge of stealing from an FFL for the August 6, 2019 gun thefts. All three pleaded guilty to the charges contained in the indictment.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Dothan Police Department, and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eric M. Counts prosecuted the case.
An Ozark man is back behind bars after investigators say they uncovered thousands of graphic images involving children on his cellphone.
Jail records show 85-year-old Ross Blanchard was arrested Thursday and charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography.
Blanchard was previously arrested in April 2025 on one count of possession of child pornography. He was out on bond at the time of his latest arrest.
According to Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum, investigators continued their investigation following the April arrest and later discovered more than 2,000 illegal pornographic images depicting children engaged in sexual acts on Blanchard’s phone.
Court records indicate Blanchard had not been granted bond on the new charges as of Friday afternoon.
We are asking for the public’s help in identifying this individual. This person was last seen in the area of the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle and may have information regarding the homicide investigation taking place. If you know this person, please contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215, Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP, or anonymously online at P3TIPS.com.
DOTHAN: 09:55 AM. Dothan 911 dispatched a motor vehicle accident in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. In the Double Tree parking lot.
On arrival Dothan Police found a male subject who received a gunshot wound and is deceased. A black male is reported to have fled on foot.
A complete examination has not been done to determine for sure gunshot wound. Investigators have to make sure all documented before moving body.
Dothan Fire and Pilcher Ambulance on the scene along with multiple Dothan Police Officers and Criminal Investigators. Dothan Police Chief Will Benny and Dothan Police Major Will Glover are on the scene.
K-9 Track teams and WASP ( Wiregrass Aviation Support ) are in the air and on land searching for suspect.
Anyone with information call Dothan Police, 334-793-0215.
UPDATED @ 12:02 PM
it has been confirmed this is a murder.
UPDATED @ 2:08 PM
The suspect has been taken into custody at Stonewood and Fortner Street. The suspect has been transported to Dothan Police Criminal Investigation Division.
RSN does know the name of the victim and family has probably been notified. However until I can get up with Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd to confirm family notification RSN is going to withold name.
UPDATED @ 2:52 PM
Dothan Police Patrol Officers spread out in the area searching for suspect. The patrol officers also searched for anyone who might have video of anyone running.
Dothan Police questioned and detained two suspects at Bojangle’s. A Dothan Police Patrol Officer spotted a suspect at Stonewood and Fortner Street. In minutes multiple officers were on the scene with him. The suspect was transported to Dothan Police Criminal Investigation Division. Dothan Police Chief Will Benny and Dothan Police Major Will Glover have been on the scene and Dothan Police headquarters very much involved in the investigation.
