COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Multiple law enforcement agencies are sharing new details of what led up to the arrest of Daveonte Dixon, a 21-year-old man accused of shooting two Mifflin Township police officers.
Dixon is charged with attempted murder and felony assault after a traffic stop turned to gunfire last Wednesday. Dixon shot two officers before running off, leading to a 48-hour search. Authorities believe Dixon fled on foot and hid in a nearby residence.
“Our investigators put in countless hours last week that I had to make them go home and get some rest,” said Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin. “The work is not over. Even though we have Mr. Dixon in custody, the work begins on putting this case together and prosecuting him in court.”
“The effort put forth by our Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, local, state, and federal partners was exceptional,” U.S. Marshal Michael Black. “The determination, coordination, and tenacity they all demonstrated is the reason we are able to locate this violent fugitive. For those who chose to use violence against one of our law enforcement family, we will not stop until you’re brought to justice.”
On Friday night, Dixon was apprehended in Obetz, just outside Columbus, in a joint operation involving the U.S. Marshals and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Baldwin said law enforcement executed several search warrants at residences throughout Columbus before locating Dixon on Thelma Drive. Dixon was inside of an apartment complex with a woman named Jayla Call and three children. Authorities attempted to negotiate with Dixon before he fired multiple shots at officers.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Dixon started firing shots at our officers,” Major Nate Smith said with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. “At least three to five shots. But that’s all being determined right now through ballistics. He will be charged with firing those additional shots at officers.”
Sheriff Baldwin confirmed no officers were shot and no officers returned fire, because there were other children in the neighborhood.
“Not the subsequent search warrants and not the one at the apprehension site,” Sheriff Baldwin explained. “And to me, that’s amazing that not one shot was fired by law enforcement. It shows the restraint and the training that we go through to protect the community.”
Call and the three children left the residence, leaving Dixon alone. Major Nate Smith of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department said SWAT officers entered the apartment and found Dixon suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Dixon was transported to Grant Medical Center, where he remains in critical but stable condition. One officer remains hospitalized but is expected to survive after undergoing three surgeries in the past five days. The other officer was discharged on Thursday. Neither officer has been publicly identified.
Dixon’s criminal history includes convictions for burglary, kidnapping, domestic violence, aggravated menacing, unlawful possession of a dangerous ordinance, and having weapons under disability, according to court records. If convicted of the current charges, Dixon could face significant prison time.
Law enforcement continues to stress their concern over individuals with violent criminal histories being released from prison. Officials are calling for a meeting with judges and the prosecutor’s office to address the issue and seek solutions.
“We want to know how this happened,” Brian Steel said, President of Columbus Fraternal Order of Police. “This does not end here. We want to know how this individual was released. This is an individual who had 11-16 years on the shelf and was given community control. Why did the prosecutor agree to this? Crime is a cancer. You have to eradicate it or it will continue through the townships and suburbs.”
Mifflin Township Police Chief David Briggs noted the challenges faced by the police force, referencing an officer who was stabbed last year. Surrounding departments have offered support beyond mutual aid during this difficult times.
“It’s tough to be a member of our agency right now.” Chief Briggs added. “It’s tough to be a member of any law enforcement agency. We are all one big family. When something happens to one, it happens to all. Everyone is struggling. My remaining officers are positive. We will continue to support our injured officers and families throughout their recovery, and we will always stand behind those who risk it all to keep our communities safe.”
Mifflin Township Trustee Kevin Cavener said a new Mifflin Township Police Officer was sworn in Monday morning. “I spoke with her Wednesday at the hospital, and I asked if she wanted to still join the team. She said, ‘Swear me in right now.’ That shows the dedication of first responders. It’s in our blood.”
ABC 6 reported last week that a $40,000 reward from various agencies, including $25,000 from the FBI, was posted for information leading to his arrest.
The Mifflin Township Police Department facilitated a fundraiser for the officers and their families. Text MIFFLIN PD to 50155 to donate.
