DOTHAN: 11:30 AM Dothan 911 dispatched Dothan Police to a suspicious persons in the 2500 block of West Main Street at Edgewood, Midsouth Bank.
As Dothan Police Patrol arrived the black male subject, reported to be wearing a black vest, ran on the foot, south, towards Jamestown. As one time the reports were the subject took the orange vest off as he was running. But the suspect was not fast enough to outrun the Dothan Police Patrol Officer and he was able to apprehend him.
At this time RSN does not know the suspicious circumstances and what exactly the subject was doing. Dothan Police Patrol has subject detained.
DOTHAN: At the stroke of midnight on December 31, 2025, Larry Williams ended 43 years of Fire and EMS service with 19 of those years as Chief of Dothan Fire Department. And at 12:01 AM the same date David Hasty entered as Dothan Fire Chief, taking over the reigns from Larry Williams.
Dothan Fire Department has over 200 members, nine Paramedic Fire Engines, nine Dothan Fire Stations plus working in conjunction with Dothan Airport Fire Department. Dothan Fire Department as two Ladder Fire Trucks, Haz-Mat Fire Truck, Technical Rescue truck, two Rehab trucks, and much more.
The transition, even though a holiday, was performed as designed where there was really no notice to the public. The department continued, without a hiccup, to be prepared to run when 911 was dialed with prompt and professional response to save lives and property.
On January 6, 2026, 1:30 PM, at Dothan Fire Central Fire Station, 510 Columbia Highway, there will be a Promotional and Badge Pinning Ceremony Honoring Fire Chief David Hasty.
Hasty is married to Mitzi McClendon Hasty. They have two children, Dylan Hasty and the late Morgan Hasty. The Hasty’s are very active members of Memphis Baptist Church where he as served ( perhaps currently ) as a Deacon and past Chairman of the Deacons.
CONGRATULATIONS on the retirement of Chief Larry Williams and CONGRATULATIONS to David Hasty as he begins his tour of duty as Fire Chief.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating a deadly hunting incident that claimed the life of a teenager early Tuesday morning.
According to officials, the incident occurred behind a residence on County Road 73. A 15-year-old and a 17-year-old were hunting when a hunting rifle discharged, striking the 17-year-old.
The teen was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing. In a statement, FWC extended its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
No additional details have been released at this time.
Around 3:00 p.m. yesterday, emergency crews responded to reports of a possible structure fire at KFC located across from Rural King.
Initial reports indicated smoke coming from what appeared to be heater or vent areas of the building. Multiple Dothan Fire units were dispatched to the scene as a precaution.
At this time, injuries are unknown, and officials have not released the cause of the incident. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Lee County District Attorney’s Office has filed an appeal challenging a judge’s decision to grant a new trial for a woman previously sentenced to 18 years in prison following the death of her newborn child.
Cherith Shoemaker was convicted in 2020 of chemical endangerment of a child resulting in death. During the original investigation, Shoemaker admitted to law enforcement that she had smoked methamphetamine shortly before going into labor, according to court records.
Earlier this year, Jeffrey Tickal, a Lee County Circuit Judge, vacated Shoemaker’s conviction and ordered a new trial. According to the Associated Press, Judge Tickal ruled that Shoemaker’s attorneys presented credible new evidence suggesting that an infection — not drug exposure — may have caused the stillbirth.
In a statement posted on social media, the Lee County District Attorney’s Office outlined evidence presented during the original trial that led to Shoemaker’s conviction. Prosecutors said Shoemaker told investigators she had smoked methamphetamine shortly before labor. Medical testimony at trial also indicated that approximately 500 nanograms of methamphetamine and 140 nanograms of amphetamine were found in the baby’s system.
The state medical examiner confirmed methamphetamine was present in the fetus’ bloodstream but ultimately listed the cause of death as undetermined.
Prosecutors further stated that jurors heard evidence showing Shoemaker gave birth in a bathtub, wrapped the baby in a towel, placed the infant in a corner of the room, and cleaned the scene. Authorities said Shoemaker did not seek medical assistance but instead contacted friends to inform them she had delivered the baby.
Shoemaker’s conviction and 18-year sentence were previously upheld by both the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and the Alabama Supreme Court.
The appeal by the district attorney’s office seeks to overturn the order granting a new trial. The case remains pending.
🏛️ The City of Dothan is opening its PY 2026 Competitive Funding Process, which provides grant money to non-profit organizations that run social service programs benefiting Dothan residents.
Last year, the city awarded over $492,000 to more than 19 local agencies and programs.
