Press Release: Rape Suspect Arrest

June 24, 2025
Rape Suspect Arrested
June 24, 2025 at 1:42:36 PM CDT

     On November 26th, 2024, Homewood Police officers took a report of a rape which occurred in the 10 block of Aspen Court. Homewood Police detectives interviewed the victim and were able to identify a suspect. Through further investigative work, detectives were able to confirm the suspect’s involvement using DNA evidence. Homewood detectives were able to issue arrest warrants for the suspect; however, he fled the area before he could be taken into custody.
 
     On June 24th, 2024, the Homewood Police Department with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, arrested Jelani Adom Gooden, age 28 of Salem, Alabama, for the rape that occurred in the 10 block of Aspen Court. He was taken into custody and transported to the Homewood City Jail. Gooden was transferred to the Jefferson County Jail on the below listed charges where he is being held without bond.
 
 • Rape 1st Degree                     No Bond
 • Sodomy 1st Degree                No Bond
 • Sexual Abuse 1st Degree       $15,000 Bond
 • Assault 3rd Degree                $6,000 Bond
October 22, 2026
Crime Report for the Week of Oct. 12, 2026 10/06/26 UBEV - An unlocked vehicle was entered in the 600 block of Oakmoor Drive and a wallet was stolen.
October 14, 2026
Crime Report for the Week of Oct. 5, 2026 09/30/26 Drug Paraphernalia Arrest - Officers investigated a suspicious person in the 10 block of Aspen Cove and arrested the subject of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 10/02/26 DUI Arrest - A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 200 block of Oxmoor Road and the driver was arrested for DUI. 10/03/26 DUI Arrest - A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 1600 block of Oxmoor Road and the driver was arrested for DUI. 10/04/26 Burglary Arrest - Officers responded to a burglary in progress call in the 10 block of Aspen Cove and arrested five suspects for Burglary (3rd Degree) and Possession of Burglary Tools.
October 5, 2026
The City of Homewood, The Police Department, and Homewood Animal Control are excited to announce a new partnership with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. The city contract for strays will be handled by GBHS at 6227 5th Ave N, beginning Monday (October 5th) until the new building opens on Sydney Dr. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM; and closed on Sunday. The phone number is ( 205) 591-6522 , if you are looking for your animal. You will be able to pick up at 6227 5th Ave. N in Birmingham. The fee schedule is as follows: If your animal is unaltered, there is a $50.00 fee; $30.00 impound fee; $20.00 rabies fee (if you do not have proof of rabies vaccine); and a $50.00 City fee. There are also some new procedures associated with this change: Homewood will no longer respond to wildlife calls (i.e. raccoons, possums, snakes, coyotes, foxes, etc.). Citizens can call Complete Animal Removal, and they will take care of the wildlife issue. Call: (256) 455-0000 Homewood will not pick up strays after hours; this will be handled by Animal Control on the next business day. Any after-hours calls will be for extreme emergencies only. All correspondence must go through our dispatch non-emergency number for strays. (205) 332-6200 option, #2.
September 30, 2026
The Homewood Police Department is taking applications for the position of Police Officer. APPLY HERE today to join our team!
September 30, 2026
Crime Report for the Week of Sept. 28, 2026 09/08/26 DUI Arrest - A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 200 block of Lakeshore Pkwy and the driver was arrested for DUI. 09/09/26 Public Intox Arrest - Officers responded to a trespassing call in the 100 block of Vulcan Road. The subject was located and arrested for Public Intoxication.
September 30, 2026
Crime Report for the Week of Sept. 21, 2026 09/15/26 UBEV - An unlocked vehicle was entered in the 100 block of Greensprings Hwy and a cell phone was taken. 09/18/26 DUI Arrest - A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 200 block of Greensprings Hwy and the driver was arrested for DUI.
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