By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle.
DOTHAN, Ala. — A Dothan man is dead, and an Ozark man is facing a capital murder charge following a suspected robbery that ended with a vehicle submerged in a retention pond Thursday morning, according to the Dothan Police Department.
Police said the Dothan Communications Center received multiple calls just before 10 a.m. on Jan. 30 reporting a vehicle that had left the roadway and crashed into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. When first responders arrived, they found the vehicle fully submerged and immediately attempted to check on the occupant inside.
Officers quickly determined the driver was deceased. During a closer examination, investigators discovered the victim had suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
The victim was identified as Wesley Blake Bowen, 33, of Dothan, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
While securing the crash site, officers received reports from witnesses who said they saw a Black male running away from the area. Based on witness statements and surveillance footage, investigators began searching nearby neighborhoods for a suspect matching the description.
During a canvass of the area, officers located a man on Stonewood Drive, behind Farrah Circle, who matched the provided description. The suspect was identified as Michael Tywaun Taylor, 24, of Ozark. Police said a jacket and a handgun were found near where Taylor was located.
According to preliminary information released by investigators, Bowen and Taylor were traveling together in Bowen’s vehicle when the suspect allegedly produced a firearm during a robbery attempt and shot Bowen. Police believe Bowen became incapacitated, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and enter the retention pond.
Taylor has been charged with capital murder in connection with a robbery and is being held without bond.
Police expressed appreciation to community members who provided information that assisted in locating and arresting the suspect.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Bowen’s family and friends as they grieve this tragic loss,” William E. Benny said in a statement.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3632, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP, or submit an anonymous tip online at P3TIPS.com.
