A tense Sunday afternoon at Wiregrass Commons Mall turned frightening when gunshots rang out near the Spirit Halloween storefront, leaving one man wounded and many shaken. The chaos unfolded just before 4:00 p.m., drawing a swift and massive law-enforcement response.
According to Lt. Scott Owens of the Dothan Police Department, the first calls about gunfire at the mall came in just before 4:00 p.m. Responding officers were told multiple shots may have been fired outside the Dillard’s entrance. When they reached the scene, they found one male victim suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately began administering medical aid. The victim was then transported to a local hospital.
Initial rumors claimed multiple people were hit, but Lt. Owens later confirmed that only one victim has been identified. No one else has been found with injuries and no fatalities have been confirmed. The severity of the man’s wound hasn’t been officially disclosed.
Investigators say this incident stemmed from a personal confrontation rather than a random attack. The shooting reportedly began inside a barbershop when multiple people entered and made threats to someone getting a haircut. That individual was allegedly armed, too, and an exchange of fire followed. One of the men entering the shop was struck by gunfire; no bystanders were harmed in the crossfire. Authorities believe this was not the first time these people had conflicts.
Meanwhile, police moved quickly to secure the mall and evacuate those inside. Dozens of employees sheltered in place until law enforcement could escort them out. Officers walked through three separate sweeping searches due to the size of the mall and confirmed no one else remained inside. At that time, there was no evidence of additional suspects inside the building.
The mall, which is the largest shopping center in Southeast Alabama , was placed under lockdown and remained closed while the scene was processed. Crime scene technicians and investigators combed through evidence, interviewed witnesses, and followed leads. As of now, authorities have not named a suspect or offered a public motive. The Dothan Police Department has urged anyone with information—even those hiding during the incident—to contact their 911 center or communications division.
This event echoes a prior shooting incident at the mall years ago, though back then no one was injured. But this latest act of violence—playing out in a place many consider safe—has rattled the community. As investigators dig deeper and more information emerges, Dothan’s residents and mall patrons alike will be waiting for answers about who pulled the trigger and why.