Dothan, Al.
The Dothan Police Department has closed an investigation of an alleged crime which recently caused alarm to many members of our community. On February 10, 2012, the Dothan Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious person after dispatch received a call from a concerned citizen that an unfamiliar man was in her yard located in the Grove Park subdivision. Police responded and learned from the resident that she was frightened when she looked out of her window and saw a man at her front door. She described the man as an older white male with a bicycle wearing a ski jacket. Patrolmen responded to the area and later detained a man who bared a resemblance to the description police were given. Officers followed standard procedure by attaching the identifying information to the incident for future consideration then released him after determining he may have understandably raised suspicions and may have also caused alarm, but had not committed a crime. Officers placed the area on close patrol and resumed normal duties after documenting the incident.
On February 14, 2012 the Dothan Police Department was alerted to a possible recurring problem at the same residence. The same caller from the previous incident told responding officers she believed the same man she had reported previously may be stalking her and was in fear for her safety. The resident presented police with a note she received to substantiate her case. Police began canvassing the neighborhood and committed additional resources to ensure the safety of citizens within the area. Although officers worked diligently to provide accurate information of the ongoing investigations, police quickly encountered incorrect information that had circulated causing extreme alarm. Adding to this alarm were three other notes that were said to have been left at the residence over several days.
On February 24, 2011, police interviewed the alleged victim in an effort to clarify many discrepancies found as the investigation progressed. Investigators had substantial reason to believe that while the first incident reported merited attention, subsequent reports of stalking via written communication were false. Police interviewers confronted this with one goal; uncover the truth. Determining this goal in advance was a crucial decision made by members involved in the case because while investigators possessed evidence that could lead to an arrest, they knew in this specific case, uncovering the truth was of far greater importance. Investigators reached this goal by determining if they could extract the truth, it would allow police to reinstate peace of mind to citizens who have spent several weeks in fear and assure them that they are not in danger.
During the interview, the alleged victim confessed to writing notes submitted as evidence in this case. With this admission, police have closed the investigation and would like to assure our citizens that we consider it a priority to offer closure to anyone affected by this series of unfortunate events and an honor to continue our dedication to the citizens we protect and serve.
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