DOTHAN, Ala. — A teenager from Ozark has been arrested in connection with a string of recent burglaries at a local steakhouse and two gas stations. The arrest comes after an investigation that linked the suspect to several break-ins across the city.
On April 7, at approximately 6:30 a.m., officers with the Ozark Police Department responded to a report of shattered glass at the Marathon Gas Station located on East Roy Parker Road. Upon arriving, officers were informed that another break-in had occurred at Woodham’s Steakhouse on Jones Street, with the front glass door of the restaurant also shattered. Investigators believe the break-in at the steakhouse occurred earlier that morning around 1:00 a.m. During both burglaries, an undisclosed amount of money was stolen.
As the investigation unfolded, officers were alerted later that evening to a third location, the Texaco Gas Station, also on East Roy Parker Road. Police said the station’s alarm had been triggered just before midnight. Surveillance footage revealed that the same individual responsible for the earlier burglaries had thrown a brick through the glass door of the Texaco but fled the scene before taking anything.
Authorities were able to quickly make a connection between the recent burglaries and a previous break-in. On April 10, a deputy with the Dale County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Dae’Shoine Coleman for a probation violation related to a prior burglary conviction from July 2024. The 2024 crime mirrored the pattern of the recent break-ins, prompting police to interview Coleman.
During the questioning, Coleman allegedly confessed to his involvement in the burglaries, confirming his role in the three incidents. As a result, Coleman was charged with two counts of third-degree burglary, two counts of fourth-degree theft of property, and one count of attempted third-degree burglary.
Coleman’s arrest brings some closure to a string of crimes that had local businesses on edge. Authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of his involvement in other similar incidents.
This case highlights the effectiveness of surveillance technology in solving crimes and the persistence of law enforcement in bringing suspects to justice. Coleman remains in custody as further legal proceedings unfold.
