By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
Updated 2:10 p.m.
DOTHAN, Ala. — Dothan police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday morning along a busy stretch of Ross Clark Circle, an incident authorities are treating as a homicide.
According to officials, the victim was identified as Wesley Blake Bowen, 33, of the Dothan area. Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd confirmed Bowen’s identity and said he died after being shot while driving along the highway.
Police said Bowen’s vehicle left the roadway and went into a retention pond near Ross Clark Circle and Fortner Street following the shooting. Witnesses reported seeing a man running from the scene shortly after the incident, prompting a search by responding officers.
Approximately an hour later, police took several people of interest into custody for questioning. Authorities emphasized that those individuals were not immediately identified as suspects, and no arrests have been announced.
Coroner Byrd said Bowen’s body will be transported to a forensic laboratory for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Dothan police continue to gather evidence and are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Dothan Police Department.
Original report:
Dothan Police are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead inside a vehicle along Ross Clark Circle.
Officers responded to the scene on the west side of the circle, near the Bojangles restaurant, where crime-scene tape was placed as investigators worked the area. Police emphasized that the business itself was not involved and was referenced only to describe the location.
Dothan Police Major Will Glover said investigators were unable to immediately determine the cause of death but confirmed the case is being handled as a murder investigation.
At this stage of the investigation, police are attempting to locate a man who may have been in the area around the time of the incident. Glover said it was not immediately clear whether the individual is considered a suspect or a witness.
Dothan Police have released a photo of a person of interest and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual. In a statement, the department said:
“We are asking for the public’s help in identifying this individual. This person was last seen in the area of the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle and may have information regarding the homicide investigation taking place. If you know this person, please contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215, Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP, or anonymously online at P3TIPS.com.”
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
Image released by Dothan Police Department as they ask the public for help identifying the person in the photo.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
It is the general policy of the Dale County Chronicle to include the following statement on all news reports involving arrests and discussions of crime: all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
