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DOTHAN, Ala — Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday at Wiregrass Commons Mall in Dothan, which may be linked to a previous homicide in Pike County. According to multiple sources, the man shot during the mall dispute is suspected of murdering 23-year-old Bobby Lee David Mircle Lucas at an unregulated gathering northeast of Troy last week.
Investigators in multiple counties are piecing together evidence, with officials noting that the mall incident may have been a violent reaction to Lucas’s death. Dothan Police Lieutenant Scott Owens confirmed that the mall shooting stemmed from a dispute between individuals with a history of prior incidents. “After several rounds were fired in both directions inside Wiregrass Commons, one person was struck with gunfire,” Owens said. Multiple people were reportedly armed, and officers did not immediately make arrests.
The victim of the mall shooting, who is also the suspect in the Pike County homicide, sustained a head wound. His current condition has not been released. Authorities had issued a warrant for him shortly after Lucas’s death.
The mall incident caused panic among shoppers and store employees, some of whom sheltered in place until police secured the area. The Pike County shooting, which occurred during a gathering of approximately 300 people, has prompted Sheriff Russell Thomas to call for stricter regulations on unregulated party venues.
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