By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
DOTHAN— Following a series of shootings over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Dothan City Commissioner Dave Stock is urging city leaders and the community to take a broader approach to combating violent crime, including the possible creation of a multi-agency violent crime task force.
In a public statement, Stock referenced the July 3 shooting at Wiregrass Commons Mall, the July 4 shooting on Hutchins Street, the July 5 shooting on Fortner Street, and several other shootings that have occurred in recent months.
“The shooting/gun battle on July 3rd at the Wiregrass Commons Mall, the shooting hours later on July 4th off Hutchins, the shooting early morning on July 5th off Fortner, and the numerous other shootings that have occurred in the past months and years continue to tarnish the image of our city,” Stock said.
While praising the response of the Dothan Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Dothan Fire Department, EMS personnel, and other first responders, Stock said local agencies have been proactive in responding to violent incidents but questioned whether additional assistance is needed.
“They do a great job responding to incidents, securing the scenes and saving lives, and investigating the crimes,” Stock said. “I think it may be time that we ask ourselves if we need help.”
Among his recommendations is forming a formal violent crime task force that would combine federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Stock said such a partnership could provide additional manpower and investigative resources to identify and apprehend violent offenders before additional violence occurs.
He also proposed establishing a long-term community crime prevention forum that would regularly bring together elected officials, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and residents to discuss crime trends and develop solutions aimed at reducing violence.
Stock said lawmakers should also consider whether changes to Alabama law could strengthen penalties for crimes involving firearms. While emphasizing his support for the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding gun owners, he suggested reviewing sentencing laws in other states to determine whether tougher penalties could serve as a deterrent.
The commissioner additionally called for stricter enforcement of juvenile curfews and greater parental accountability when minors are involved in serious criminal activity. He said intervention programs, counseling, and other resources should be available to help young people who are at risk of becoming involved in crime.
Beyond law enforcement, Stock emphasized addressing underlying social issues by emphasizing what he says is the vital role of stronger families, expanding job training opportunities, and encouraging a stronger work ethic. He also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting criminal activity and providing information about individuals who may be involved in violent crimes.
Stock said the recent incidents should serve as the beginning of a broader community conversation about public safety.
“I think most people agree that it’s gotten a lot worse over the past few years, and it’s time to take a robust and comprehensive approach to reducing violence in Dothan,” Stock said. “These comments and ideas are to start the conversation. I’m open to other ideas and suggestions, but we need to start somewhere, and we need to start now.”
His comments come after multiple shootings in Dothan over the holiday weekend. According to police, shots were fired inside Wiregrass Commons Mall on July 3, though no injuries were reported. Hours later, a man was critically wounded in a shooting on Hutchins Street, and early July 5, three people were injured during a shooting on Fortner Street. All of the incidents remain under investigation.
Stock concluded by expressing concern that future incidents could have even more tragic consequences if the violence is not addressed.
“I’m very grateful that innocent bystanders were not hit by stray bullets at the mall Friday, but I’m afraid we may not be that lucky forever, and I don’t want to wait and wish we had done more sooner,” Stock said. “We live in a great city that many others and I love. Hope is not lost, but the time to act is now.”
