Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) – A deadly shooting in Dothan is now believed to have been an act of self-defense by a juvenile trying to stop an assault, according to police.
Just after 5:00 a.m. on June 30, Dothan officers responded to a report of a person shot at an apartment in the 700 block of Alabama Avenue. When officers arrived, they began life-saving efforts but determined the victim was already deceased. He has been identified as 28-year-old Johnny Oliver of Dothan.
A homicide investigation was launched and revealed that Oliver had been assaulting a woman inside the apartment just before the shooting. Police say Oliver brought a firearm to the scene, which was obtained by a juvenile during the incident.
According to Lt. Scott Owens, the juvenile made several demands for Oliver to stop the assault before firing a single round, striking him in the upper torso. Witnesses at the scene and video surveillance confirmed the juvenile’s account of the shooting.
Authorities say the case will be reviewed by the Houston County District Attorney’s Office, but criminal charges are not expected at this time. The investigation remains open until a final decision is made.
