Public’s help sought in home invasion, robbery, shooting death

The Ozark Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in connection with a home invasion robbery that resulted in one death Wednesday, April 12.

Michael Ethan Smith, 27, of Ozark, is being sought by law enforcers in connection to the case, said Ozark Police Chief Marlos Walker at a press conference April 13.

Walker said that on Wednesday, April 12, at approximately 10:25 p.m., Dale County E911 received a call reporting that a person had been shot during a possible robbery attempt.

The caller reported that two white males entered his residence and attempted to rob him. The caller said one of the suspects pulled out a weapon and, at that point, gunfire was exchanged between the victim and one of the suspects.

Walker said emergency personnel arrived and found the robbery victim who directed the medical personnel to the wounded suspect, Steven Alan Ammons, 24, of Ozark.

Ammons was transported to the Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan for further treatment. At 4:20 am. Thursday, April 13, Ammos was pronounced dead.

During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that the wounded suspect was one of two suspects who entered the residence. The second suspect fled the scene in an unknown pickup truck.

Investigators were able to speak with several witnesses and recovered multiple pieces of evidence at the scene. The investigation also led to the positive identification of Smith, who is now wanted for first-degree robbery.

Anyone with any information regarding Smith can call the OPD at (334) 774-2644.

Walker credits the Dale County Sheriff’s office, the Ozark Emergency Medical Service, the Dale County E911 and the OPD for their participating in the investigation.