By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK— The family of William Christopher Pearson, the man charged following an incident that allegedly escalated into an assault on an Ozark police officer and a high-speed pursuit, says Pearson has been battling schizophrenia for more than a decade and was experiencing a severe mental health crisis in the days leading up to his arrest.
Following publication of the Chronicle’s original report, the Chronicle held an exclusive interview with Pearson’s sister, Brittany Barber, who was able to provide additional information about her brother’s mental health history and the events preceding Sunday’s incident. Barber said she hoped to provide context for what occurred while emphasizing that the family is not attempting to excuse Pearson’s alleged actions.
According to Barber, Pearson, who is originally from Dothan, Alabama, was diagnosed with schizophrenia after his first psychiatric hospitalization in 2014 while attending college in Campbellsville, Kentucky. She said he has experienced recurring episodes of psychosis and mania over the years and that his condition significantly worsened after he stopped receiving his prescribed injectable medication in December 2025.
Barber said the family sought professional help several times in the days leading up to the incident.
According to her account, Pearson’s mother took him to SpectraCare on the Thursday before his arrest because he was exhibiting signs of a manic episode. Barber said he met with a counselor but was not admitted or restarted on his medication. Instead, he was scheduled to return for a follow-up appointment on July 31.
She said Pearson experienced another psychiatric episode the following Monday while at work at Pilgrim’s Pride, resulting in him being placed on short-term Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. Later that day, he was admitted to New Day at Dale Medical Center for treatment.
According to Barber, Pearson displayed behavior consistent with an active psychotic episode during his hospitalization. She said the family believed he remained unstable when he was discharged several days later and was concerned that he had not yet recovered and received the treatment he needed to become stable once again.
Barber said that on Sunday, the day of the incident, the family was attending church together when Pearson began experiencing another severe mental health episode. Concerned for his safety and believing he needed immediate psychiatric treatment, family members drove him directly to Dale Medical Center. Barber said that upon arriving at the hospital, Pearson unexpectedly fled from the vehicle on foot before he could receive treatment.
Photo of Pearson back when he was healthy and on his medications. Photo provided by his sister, Brittany Barber.
She also disputed one aspect of the initial understanding of the incident. According to Barber, there was no domestic disturbance before law enforcement was called. Instead, she said officers became involved only after Pearson ran from the hospital while his family was attempting to obtain emergency mental health care for him.
Barber said that during a previous admission, hospital security personnel had been waiting for Pearson because of concerns about his condition. According to Barber, no security personnel were present when they returned to the hospital on the day of the incident.
“I share this information not to excuse William’s behavior, but to provide important context,” Barber wrote in an email to the Chronicle. “The statements he makes and the actions he takes during these episodes do not reflect reality. They are the result of a severe mental illness that profoundly affects his perception, judgment, and behavior.”
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that can affect a person’s ability to distinguish reality from hallucinations and delusions. During episodes of psychosis, some individuals may hear voices that are not present or believe they are being threatened, persecuted, or pursued by imaginary people or circumstances. Mental health professionals note that symptoms vary from person to person and that consistent treatment and medication can often help manage the condition.
Barber said her family hopes that by sharing Pearson’s story, greater awareness can be brought to the challenges faced by individuals living with serious mental illnesses and their families.
“Our hope is that this brings more attention to those struggling with mental health conditions,” Barber said.
Without excusing his actions, the family still wants law enforcement, medical providers, and the general public to become more informed and knowledgeable so they can respond more appropriately when someone is experiencing a psychiatric crisis.
Barber also offered an apology on behalf of the family to those affected by the incident.
“Our family is deeply sorry for what occurred. We sincerely apologize to the injured officer, the responding law enforcement officers, and everyone affected by this incident. We are heartbroken for all involved and continue to hope William receives the treatment he desperately needs.”
As previously reported by the Chronicle, Pearson was arrested Sunday after Ozark police officers responded to an incident at Dale Medical Center. Authorities allege the situation escalated when Pearson assaulted an Ozark police officer before fleeing in a vehicle, leading officers on a pursuit through Ozark and into Dale County. The pursuit ended with Pearson’s arrest, and the injured officer was transported for medical treatment.
Pearson was later booked into the Dale County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault in the Second Degree and Attempting to Elude, according to jail records.
The Chronicle has not independently verified the family’s account regarding Pearson’s medical history, diagnoses, or treatment. The information concerning his mental health is based solely on statements provided by his sister and is presented to provide additional context surrounding the incident.
The criminal case against Pearson remains pending. As with all criminal defendants, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Mental health professionals emphasize that while schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses can significantly impair a person’s perception of reality during episodes of psychosis, the overwhelming majority of people living with mental illness are not violent. Advocates encourage individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, or family members caring for someone in crisis, to seek assistance through mental health providers, local crisis intervention services, or emergency responders when there is an immediate risk of harm.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Early intervention and ongoing treatment can make a significant difference for people living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.
Immediate Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to speak with a trained crisis counselor.
Free and confidential.
Website: https://988lifeline.org
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Free, confidential treatment referrals and information available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Education, support, and mental health resources for individuals and families.
Website: https://www.nami.org
Local Wiregrass Resources
SpectraCare Health Systems
Outpatient mental health treatment, medication management, crisis intervention, case management, and crisis services.
24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-951-4357
Dale County Clinic: 134 Katherine Ave., Ozark, AL 36360
Behavioral Crisis Center: 2740 Headland Ave., Dothan, AL 36303
Website: https://spectracare.org
New Day Behavioral at Dale Medical Center
Short-term inpatient psychiatric care for adults experiencing acute mental health conditions.
Address: 126 Hospital Ave., Ozark, AL 36360
Phone: (334) 774-2601
Website: https://www.dalemedical.org
Southeast Health Behavioral Health Services
Inpatient behavioral health treatment, psychiatric evaluations, crisis stabilization, medication management, and specialized care for adults experiencing serious mental illness.
Address: 1108 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301
Behavioral Health Assessment Line: (334) 793-8858
Hospital Main Line: (334) 793-8111
Website: https://www.southeasthealth.org
Know the Warning Signs
Seek professional help immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing:
Hearing or seeing things that others do not.
Believing people are trying to harm or persecute them despite evidence to the contrary.
Severe paranoia or delusional thinking.
Extreme mood swings or manic behavior.
Talking about suicide or self-harm.
Increasing confusion or an inability to distinguish reality from hallucinations or delusions.
Sudden changes in behavior that place themselves or others at risk.
With proper treatment, medication, counseling, and community support, many people living with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses can lead healthy, productive lives. Families are encouraged to seek help as soon as symptoms begin to worsen rather than waiting for a crisis to develop. Early intervention can improve outcomes for both the individual and their loved ones.
