Dothan Man Arrested for Shooting an Unoccupied Car; Being Felon in Possession of Firearm

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Posted by: Staff
Date: Jun 06 2024 11:13 AM

DOTHAN ALA:On June 5, 2024, Dothan Investigators arrested Willie Edward Franklin (38) of Dothan for Shooting into an Unoccupied Vehicle and Certain Person Forbidden to Possess a Firearm after an investigation into a shooting in the 1000 block of South Bell Street.  The suspect was identified by surveillance footage in the area.  The motivation for the shooting is still under investigation.  No injuries were reported, but a vehicle on the street was struck once by gunfire.  Once Franklin was identified, it was determined Franklin was forbidden to possess a firearm by Alabama law.  Franklin was booked into the Houston County Jail with no bond.

On June 4, 2024, Dothan Police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 1000 block of South Bell Street.  When they arrived, the suspects were gone from the area.  While investigating the shooting, officers located multiple shell casings in the area and found a vehicle had been struck by gunfire.  Criminal Investigators were assigned to the case.

Investigators were able to interview witnesses and review video cameras in the area.  Franklin was identified as the person who fired the round that struck the vehicle.  A review of Franklin’s criminal history showed a criminal conviction that made it unlawful for him to possess a firearm.  Investigators located and arrested Franklin.  He was charged with one count of Shooting into an Unoccupied Vehicle and one count of Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm.  The investigation is still ongoing.  If anyone has any information about this crime, they are encouraged to call the Dothan Police Department at 334615-3632 or 334-793-0215.

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