DOTHAN (WDNews) — According to Dothan Police Chief Will Benny, the department has seen measurable declines in gun-related crime over the past several years while continuing to aggressively investigate several high-profile shootings that occurred over the Fourth of July weekend.
Benny said reducing gun violence requires collaboration between law enforcement, elected officials, prosecutors, community leaders and residents. He said the Dothan Police Department has operated under that collaborative approach for several years through partnerships with local, state and federal agencies.
According to the chief, the department’s strategy combines intelligence-led policing, proactive enforcement, ballistic technology and community engagement to identify violent offenders, investigate firearm crimes and prevent violence before it occurs.
Benny said gun-related crimes, including shots-fired calls and firearm assaults, have declined by approximately 22% since 2023. He also said firearm homicides have decreased significantly during that period, while overall homicide numbers remain well below levels seen just a few years ago.
The chief said every recent homicide in Dothan has been solved, and investigators are making rapid progress in the homicide that occurred over the Fourth of July weekend.
According to Benny, the department’s efforts include operating an in-house National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) laboratory, assigning investigators to federal task forces with the DEA, ATF, FBI Safe Streets and HIDTA, and expanding proactive patrol operations.
He said two recent intelligence-led saturation operations resulted in 69 arrests, the recovery of illegally possessed firearms, search warrants, narcotics investigations and the removal of violent offenders from the community.
Benny also said investigators have increased enforcement against individuals prohibited from possessing firearms. Since January, the Vice and Intelligence Division has reviewed applicable firearm cases to determine whether suspects were legally allowed to possess firearms, resulting in numerous felony prosecutions under Alabama’s Certain Persons Forbidden statute.
The chief acknowledged many residents believe gun violence is increasing because shootings are widely shared on social media, often remaining in public discussion for days. While every act of violence is significant, Benny said long-term crime data show gun-related crime in Dothan is declining.
He noted that police cannot prevent every spontaneous act of violence but can continue targeting repeat offenders, removing illegal firearms from the streets, solving violent crimes and working with community partners to reduce conditions that contribute to crime.
Investigations Continue
Benny said investigators continue making progress in several violent crime investigations from the Fourth of July weekend.
In the July 3 shooting at Wiregrass Commons Mall, investigators have identified individuals believed to have participated and are continuing interviews, executing search warrants and analyzing forensic evidence.
The July 4 Hutchins Street shooting remains under active investigation. According to Benny, investigators have identified multiple suspects and persons of investigative interest while executing search warrants for residences, electronic devices and social media accounts. Additional investigative work remains before charges can be filed against all responsible parties. The victim remains in critical condition.
In the July 5 shooting at the Biltmore Apartments, police arrested Brandon Grubbs, who is charged with first-degree assault, shooting into an occupied dwelling and shooting into an unoccupied vehicle. Benny said additional charges remain possible depending on the victim’s medical condition. Investigators also expect another individual involved to face a pending menacing charge after receiving medical treatment. Police consider that investigation substantially complete.
Benny said the July 6 family disturbance on Hutchins Street was connected to the earlier Hutchins Street shooting investigation. According to investigators, a 16-year-old juvenile was charged with second-degree assault after a firearm discharged during a struggle, injuring both the juvenile and another individual.
Chief’s Message to the Community
Benny called the Fourth of July weekend violence “unacceptable” and said it will not be tolerated in Dothan.
“If you choose to commit violent crime in Dothan, understand this: time is not your ally,” Benny said. “You may evade arrest for a day, a week, or even longer, but our investigators will continue working these cases until we identify you, arrest you, and present the evidence necessary to hold you accountable.”
He said investigators are continuing to execute search warrants, conduct interviews, analyze forensic and digital evidence, process ballistic evidence and work alongside local, state and federal law enforcement partners.
Benny also encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators, saying even small details can help solve cases and prevent future violence.
“The overwhelming majority of Dothan’s citizens are hardworking, law-abiding people who simply want safe neighborhoods where they can raise their families, attend school, operate businesses, worship, and enjoy community events,” Benny said.
The chief said the department remains committed to using every available investigative tool and law enforcement partnership to reduce violent crime, hold offenders accountable and protect the community.
“We cannot promise that violence will never occur,” Benny said. “What we can promise is that every act of violence will be met with an immediate, professional, and relentless response. We will pursue every credible lead, build every case thoroughly, and work tirelessly until those responsible are brought to justice.”
