Alabama Man Arrested After Walking in Public with Mock Rocket-Propelled Grenade Launcher

Dothan, Alabama — A local man was taken into custody this week after alarming citizens by openly carrying what appeared to be a rocket-propelled grenade launcher (RPG) in public. The incident unfolded in Dothan, Alabama, prompting swift response from local law enforcement and raising concerns over public safety and the use of realistic-looking weapon props.

The individual, identified as 26-year-old Keyun Marquez Hill of Cowarts, Alabama, was arrested and charged with possession of a hoax destructive device—a violation of Alabama law, which prohibits the use of fake weapons that appear real and can reasonably incite fear or confusion.

According to authorities, Hill was seen walking along a public area in Dothan with what onlookers believed to be a genuine RPG launcher. Several alarmed citizens contacted 911, prompting officers from the Dothan Police Department to quickly respond to the scene. Hill was taken into custody without incident.

During questioning, Hill reportedly told police that the device was a prop and part of a planned social media video. He admitted to being a content creator and said his intention was not to cause panic but to generate online engagement. The RPG launcher, while ultimately determined to be non-functional and a replica, was described by authorities as highly realistic in appearance.

“This wasn’t a toy that looked like a toy,” said a spokesperson for the Dothan Police Department. “This was a very convincing imitation of a military-grade weapon. In today’s climate, that’s not something anyone can walk around with without causing fear or potential danger.”

Under Alabama law, it is legal to openly carry actual firearms, but the state also has specific statutes prohibiting the possession or display of hoax explosive or destructive devices. The law states: “It shall be unlawful for a person to manufacture, possess, transport, or distribute a hoax destructive device or detonator which would cause another to reasonably believe that it is real.”

Police emphasized that regardless of Hill’s intentions, the realistic nature of the device and the public setting in which it was displayed posed a serious concern.

“This isn’t just about legality—it’s about responsibility,” the spokesperson added. “When something looks real enough to spark multiple 911 calls, it’s a serious matter.”

Hill was transported to the Dothan City Jail, where the mock RPG launcher was confiscated and logged into evidence. As of this report, he is awaiting a court appearance.

The incident has sparked wider discussion about the risks of social media-driven stunts involving weapons or look-alike devices. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to think twice before engaging in such behavior, no matter how harmless it may seem at the time.

“Public safety must come first,” said the police department. “In an era where threats—real or perceived—are taken seriously by citizens and responders alike, there is simply no room for these types of pranks.”

No injuries were reported during the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.