By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
Updated 4/12/26 10:30 p.m.
MAN TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER STANDOFF WITH DOTHAN POLICE
DOTHAN — According to officials, officers with the Dothan Police Department shot a man following a tense standoff in downtown Dothan.
The incident unfolded after Dothan police reportedly responded to a call about an armed man at a home located adjacent to Vaughn Towers. Lt. Scott Owens confirmed that the suspect fired at a responding officer. The officer returned fire, shooting and wounding the man at the residence near the intersection of St. Andrews Street and Lafayette Street, according to reports and individuals familiar with the incident. No officers were injured.
Authorities said the suspect barricaded himself inside the home near the apartment complex. The Dothan Police Department has not released the suspect’s name, but records indicate that a man named Antonio Christopher King resides at the address where the incident occurred.
The standoff lasted nearly three hours as a hostage negotiator attempted to convince the man to exit the home safely.
A SWAT-style vehicle was seen arriving at the scene before the lights to the property were turned off. Loud pops like that of gunfire could be heard in videos recorded by bystanders. Reports indicate the suspect was shot by police, but it remains unclear whether the suspect or officers fired first.
Police confirmed that the man was transported to a nearby hospital. His condition is unknown.
Officials have not yet responded to requests for additional comment. The area remains secured, and the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation will lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
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Dothan — A heavy police presence filled several blocks of downtown Sunday night after an officer-involved shooting near the intersection of South Foster Street and Lafayette Street.
The incident occurred Downtown at Vaughn Towers, where law enforcement quickly moved to secure the area and establish a perimeter. Authorities blocked off multiple streets as officers responded to the situation.
An eyewitness at the scene reported hearing multiple gunshots shortly before police activity intensified.
According to preliminary information, the individual believed to be responsible for the shooting fled the immediate scene and later barricaded themselves in or near an apartment complex in the area. Officers on site were observed using a megaphone in an apparent effort to communicate with the suspect, with some observers reporting a crisis negotiator was at the scene.
As of Sunday night, details remained limited, and law enforcement had not released official statements regarding the identity of those involved or the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Residents and motorists were urged to avoid the downtown area as police continued to manage the situation. Updates are expected as more information becomes available.
