By Jeff Devine
DOTHAN, Ala. — Dothan police say a suspect who has been on the run since Sunday is now in custody.
The Dothan Police Department announced this morning that Sharief Caesar, the man wanted for his part in the shooting on Sunday, is now in custody after a manhunt.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded when Korion Salter entered a barber shop inside the mall, where another man was getting a haircut. Police said Sharief AlQuan Caesar, a friend of Salter’s, soon arrived, and a gunfight broke out.
Investigators said Caesar now faces charges of Attempted Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Building. He is now in the Houston County Jail where is currently remains without bond.
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.
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.
Image of Sharief Caesar is provided by Dothan Police Department
It is the general policy of the Dale County Chronicle to include the following statement on all reports involving arrests: all arrested suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
