DOTHAN, Ala. — A man from Dothan is behind bars after authorities say he sexually assaulted and kidnapped a young girl at a local hotel on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred at a hotel located on the 2100 block of Ross Clark Circle. Around 1:00 p.m., Dothan police responded to reports of a possible kidnapping at the hotel. Hotel staff told officers they had witnessed a man forcing a girl into a hotel room. When police arrived, they were able to rescue the girl, who was under the age of 18.
Authorities say the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Stephen Ayers, fled into the hotel’s second-floor area after the girl was rescued. Police were able to quickly surround him and arrest him without further incident. According to Dothan Police Lt. Scott Owens, Ayers had made sexual advances toward the girl. When she refused, Ayers allegedly touched her inappropriately before forcing her into the room. Ayers has been charged with first-degree kidnapping and first-degree sexual abuse. He was booked into the Houston County Jail and is being held without bond.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to assess the details of the case. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
