Dothan man arrested for shooting unoccupied car, felon in possession of firearm – Dothan Police Department

On June 5, 2024, Dothan investigators arrested Willie Edward Franklin, 38, of Dothan, for shooting at an unoccupied vehicle and possession of a firearm by a certain person prohibited from possessing a firearm following an investigation of a shooting in the 1000 block of South Bell Street. The suspect was identified through surveillance footage in the area. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation. No injuries were reported, but a vehicle in the street was struck once by gunfire. After Franklin was identified, it was determined that Franklin was prohibited from possessing a firearm under Alabama law. Franklin was booked into the Houston County Jail without bail.

On June 4, 2024, Dothan police officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1000 block of South Bell Street. When they arrived, the suspects had disappeared from the area. While investigating the shooting, officers discovered several shell casings in the area and determined that a vehicle had been struck by gunfire. Detectives were assigned to the case.

Investigators were able to interview witnesses and review video footage in the area. Franklin was identified as the person who fired the shot that struck the vehicle. A check of Franklin's criminal history revealed that he had a felony conviction, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm. Investigators found Franklin and arrested him. He was prohibited from shooting at an unoccupied vehicle and from possessing a firearm by certain persons. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding this crime, they are asked to call Dothan Police at 334615-3632 or 334-793-0215.