By Jeff Devine
DOTHAN–Dothan police have identified the individuals involved in the shooting that happened at Wiregrass Commons Mall on Sunday afternoon that left one man critically injured.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded when Korion Salter entered the Not Just Cuts barbershop inside the mall, where another man was getting a haircut. Police said Sharier AlQuan Caesar, a friend of Salter’s, also arrived. At that point, threats where made before a gunfight inside the barber shop broke out. Salter was shot and remains at the hospital in critical condition.
Investigators said Caesar now faces charges of Attempted Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Structure. He remains the focus of what police describe as an active, full-scale search. If anyone has information about Caesar’s whereabouts, you are urged to call the Dothan Police Department’s anonymous tip line at (334) 793-7000. If you see Caesar, do not approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous.
Police also identified Salter as a suspect in a deadly shooting that occurred last week at a Pike County event venue. That shooting claimed the life of 23-year-old Bobby Lee David Mircle Lucas, also of Dothan. Reports indicate the earlier incident may have been connected to gang-related retaliation. Police say if and when Salter recovers from his gunshot wounds, he will face charges.
During a Monday afternoon press briefing, Lt. S. Owens commended officers for their swift response and efforts to safely evacuate mall employees and shoppers who had taken cover after the shooting.
“This type of violence will not be tolerated, and we will work with the Houston County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent allowed by law,” Owens said. “It is time for the violence to stop.”
Later that day, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba and city commissioners released a joint statement backing the police department and urging residents to help curb local gun violence.
“Gun violence is unacceptable in Dothan, Alabama, or anywhere else,” Saliba said. “Our citizens deserve to be safe when shopping at our retail establishments and everywhere else in the city.”
Owens echoed the mayor’s remarks, reaffirming the department’s commitment to doing everything possible to keep Dothan safe.
Suspects (L-R) Sharief Alquan Caesar and Korion Michael Salter (Courtesy of Dothan Police Department)
