DOTHAN, Ala. — A Cowarts man was arrested on Tuesday afternoon after alarming several residents by walking around downtown Dothan with what appeared to be a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher.
The incident occurred on April 29, when Dothan Police responded to multiple calls from concerned citizens who reported seeing a man carrying a “rocket-propelled grenade launcher” in the 200 block of East Main Street.
Upon arriving at the scene, authorities located the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Keyun Hill of Cowarts, who was carrying the device. After investigation, it was determined that the RPG was a replica and not a functional weapon.
Hill was arrested and charged with one count of possession of a hoax destructive device. The replica RPG was seized by police and placed into evidence. Hill was subsequently booked into the Dothan City Jail.
According to the Dothan Police Department, Hill described himself as a “social media prankster” and stated that he was filming a video for his online content. Police confirmed that Hill’s actions were part of a social media stunt aimed at entertaining his followers.
In a statement, Dothan Police emphasized the importance of responsible content creation, noting that while entertainment takes many forms, behavior that causes panic or alarm in public spaces is unacceptable. “We urge social media content creators to use common sense when practicing their craft,” the statement read.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of pranks or stunts that can be misinterpreted as dangerous or threatening. In this case, Hill’s actions sparked fear among bystanders, prompting a swift law enforcement response. As social media continues to play a prominent role in daily life, the incident highlights the need for caution when creating content that might inadvertently cause public distress.
