Dothan, Ala (WDNews) – A Dothan man is facing felony charges after allegedly posing as a police officer during a suspicious encounter Tuesday morning.
According to Dothan Police, officers were called to the 200 block of Fifth Avenue around 9:30 a.m. after a resident reported that a man came to her door claiming to be a Dothan Police Officer. When asked to show identification, the man did not present any credentials and left the property.
The concerned citizen contacted the Dothan Police Department to verify if an officer had actually been sent to her home. Officers quickly responded to the area and located the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Michael Darvous Pickett of Dothan.
After questioning, police said Pickett admitted to claiming he was a Dothan Police Officer multiple times. He was arrested and charged with one felony count of Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer and booked into the Houston County Jail.
Chief William E. Benny said the incident highlights the importance of community awareness and verification when approached by someone claiming to be law enforcement.
“We encourage citizens to ask for identification and verify the identity of plain clothes officers,” Chief Benny said. “We are grateful for the citizen who showed great situational awareness during this incident.”
Police remind residents that officers will always present a badge or credentials upon request. Anyone uncertain of an officer’s identity can contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 to confirm employment.
