DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – A child under the age of 12 was shot Tuesday evening following a dispute between two men on Kristie Road, according to the Dothan Police Department.
Authorities say the incident happened just after 5 p.m. on May 27, when a juvenile arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the lower body and a graze wound. Hospital staff immediately notified police.
Officers responded to both the hospital and the Kristie Road area, where they launched an investigation into the shooting. Police later arrested 36-year-old Octavenious Romarrio Thomas of Dothan and charged him with first-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault, and shooting into an occupied vehicle. He was booked into the Houston County Jail on a $450,000 bond.
Investigators say the gunfire followed a verbal altercation between two adult men, one of whom was Thomas. The argument escalated into a physical fight. As one of the men and a child were leaving the scene in a vehicle, Thomas and another individual allegedly opened fire. The child, who was not involved in the dispute, was hit during the shooting.
Police say the juvenile’s injuries are non-life-threatening. Additional arrests may be made as the investigation continues.
In a statement, Dothan Police emphasized that acts of violence like this will not be tolerated. The department says it is working closely with the Houston-Henry County District Attorney’s Office to pursue the strongest possible charges.
Authorities also thanked community members who came forward with information to assist in the case.
