DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – A Dothan man was killed Friday morning after what police believe was a robbery that ended in a shooting and a vehicle crashing into a retention pond.
Just before 10 a.m. on Jan. 30, the Dothan Communications Center received multiple reports of a vehicle that had crashed into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. First responders arrived and attempted to check on the person inside the submerged vehicle but quickly determined the victim was deceased.
Police said a closer inspection revealed the victim had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing a Black male run away from the area shortly after the crash, prompting an active search by officers.
The victim was identified as Wesley Blake Bowen, 33, of Dothan. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
While canvassing the area, officers located a man on Stonewood Drive behind Farrah Circle who matched the description provided by witnesses and nearby surveillance footage. The suspect was identified as Michael Tywuan Taylor, 24, of Ozark. Investigators also recovered a jacket and a handgun near where Taylor was found.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Dothan Police Department, Bowen and Taylor were traveling together in Bowen’s vehicle when Taylor allegedly pulled out a firearm during a suspected robbery and shot Bowen. Police said Bowen became incapacitated, causing the vehicle to lose control and enter the retention pond.
Taylor has been charged with one count of capital murder during a robbery and is being held without bond.
Police thanked members of the community who provided information that helped lead to the suspect’s arrest.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3632, Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP, or submit a tip anonymously at P3TIPS.com.
