Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) –
A joint investigation by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the Dothan Police Department has led to multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen firearms, narcotics and drug paraphernalia following a series of vehicle break-ins across the area.
Authorities say the investigation began weeks ago after both agencies received numerous reports of vehicles being unlawfully entered in Dothan and throughout Houston County. Investigators soon realized they were tracking the same suspects and coordinated an operation plan.
On July 15, officers executed a search warrant in the 3000 block of Nottingham Way in Dothan. During the search, investigators recovered a stolen handgun from Abbeville, Ala., along with illegal narcotics. Three individuals were arrested at that location:
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Albert McLeod – Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Drug Paraphernalia
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Areacia Luke – Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Drug Paraphernalia
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Marion Luke – Four counts of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd
Additional search warrants were carried out at homes in the 3000 block of Flynn Road and the 200 block of Sherwood Drive. Investigators recovered a stolen handgun reported out of Dothan, fentanyl, around one pound of marijuana, and an AM-15 short barrel rifle. One juvenile was arrested and charged with:
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Receiving Stolen Property 2nd
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Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm
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Two counts of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle
Later, a residence on the 400 block of Dale Circle in Midland City was searched, where two more stolen handguns were recovered—one from Dothan and another reported out of Bibb County, Ga. Investigators also seized methamphetamine, cocaine, THC wax, and marijuana.
Two more juveniles were arrested:
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One charged with Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle (1 count)
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Another charged with Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle (3 counts)
All adults were booked into the Houston County Jail. The juveniles were taken to the Southeast Alabama Diversion Center.
Sheriff Donald Valenza praised both agencies for their collaborative work and swift action in closing these cases. WDNews will continue to follow this developing story.
