DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — A 20-year-old Dothan man is behind bars after police say he was involved in two separate shooting incidents earlier this month.
According to the Dothan Police Department, an investigator tracking leads on recent shootings spotted Romello Tajeh Cox on Feb. 18 in the 600 block of North Lena Street. Authorities say the investigator recognized Cox as a suspect in prior cases and called for backup. The residence was surrounded, and after officers issued commands, Cox and another individual exited the apartment.
Police said information suggested additional people inside the apartment may have had access to firearms. The department’s Special Response Team was activated while officers obtained a search warrant. During the search, SRT operators confirmed no other occupants were inside. Two firearms were recovered, including one reported stolen.
Cox was previously wanted in connection with a Feb. 12 shooting in the 1000 block of Lake Street near Martin Homes. Investigators say shots were fired at a victim, striking two apartments in the complex. One of the apartments was occupied by a woman and a small child at the time. Cox is charged with two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling and one count of attempted first-degree assault related to that incident.
Police also developed information linking Cox to a second shooting on Feb. 16 in the 800 block of East Selma Street. Authorities say Cox allegedly fired at a vehicle after spotting the same victim, striking that vehicle along with two others. Gunfire also hit two unoccupied homes. In that case, Cox faces three counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle and two counts of shooting into an unoccupied dwelling.
The other person inside the apartment, identified as 21-year-old Kahlesha Mesha Cooper-Smith of Dothan, was charged with one count of second-degree receiving stolen property in connection with the stolen firearm.
Police said additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
