OZARK, Ala. — A 20-year-old Ozark woman is now in custody following a violent drive-by shooting that endangered multiple lives, including children, last week. Chamiya Ma’shae Beaty, identified as the suspect in the July 24 shooting on Dixie Drive, was captured in Florida and has since been extradited back to Alabama, where she is currently being held at the Dale County Jail.
The Ozark Police Department, in partnership with the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol, led an extensive investigation and pursuit that resulted in Beaty’s arrest on the evening of Friday, July 25, around 7:30 p.m., in Lake City, Florida.
The Drive-By Shooting
The incident occurred during the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 24, 2025, at approximately 7:45 a.m., in the 400 block of Dixie Drive in Ozark. According to law enforcement, multiple reports were made to 911 regarding gunfire directed at a residence. Responding officers found an adult female victim inside the home suffering from a gunshot wound. She was immediately transported to a Birmingham hospital for treatment. Authorities later confirmed that her injuries were not life-threatening.
Officials reported that six people were inside the home at the time of the shooting, including three adults and three children, ranging in age from 4 to 13 years old. Thankfully, no other injuries were reported.
Investigation and Arrest
Through scene processing, forensic evidence collection, and eyewitness accounts, investigators identified Chamiya Ma’shae Beaty as the prime suspect. Detectives believe the drive-by shooting stemmed from a previous personal dispute involving one of the adult occupants of the home. However, in a tragic twist, the woman who was shot was not involved in the underlying dispute and is believed to have been an unintended victim.
After Beaty was located in Florida, authorities found her in possession of the same vehicle believed to have been used in the shooting, as well as a firearm that investigators allege was used in the crime. Following her arrest, she was first booked into Lake City Jail before being extradited to Alabama, where she remains in custody.
Charges Filed
Beaty is facing multiple serious charges in connection with the incident, including:
- Attempted Murder
- Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling
- Discharging a Firearm into an Unoccupied Vehicle
These charges reflect the severe risk posed to all individuals inside the home, especially the young children who narrowly escaped harm.
Police Response and Public Gratitude
The Ozark Police Department issued a formal statement thanking its partners for their rapid assistance and cooperation.
“This arrest is the result of a dedicated, multi-agency effort that allowed us to act quickly and decisively,” said an Ozark PD spokesperson. “We are especially grateful to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol for their swift action and support. Their collaboration helped us remove a dangerous suspect from the streets before further harm could occur.”
A Reminder of Due Process
As the case moves forward through the judicial system, it is important to note that Chamiya Ma’shae Beaty is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing, and additional details may be released as prosecutors move to formally present their case.
Anyone with further information related to the July 24 shooting is urged to contact the Ozark Police Department or the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.
Ozark Police Department: (334) 774-2644
Dale County Sheriff’s Office: (334) 774-2335
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For continued coverage on this case and other local law enforcement updates, follow the Dale County Chronicle.
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