Manhunt Ends in Gunfire: Daveonte Dixon Found Critically Injured After Shooting Two Columbus Officers
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A multi-day manhunt for a 21-year-old Columbus man accused of wounding two police officers during a traffic stop came to a dramatic end Saturday when authorities discovered the suspect critically injured from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Daveonte Dixon, who had been wanted on charges of attempted murder and felony assault, was located and apprehended during a joint operation conducted by U.S. Marshals and the Franklin County Sheriff’s SWAT team. Dixon was found inside an apartment on Thelma Drive in Obetz, just south of Columbus.
According to Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, deputies were executing a search warrant at the residence when they heard gunfire upon arrival. Concerned for officer safety and the possibility of armed resistance, the SWAT team made entry. Inside, Dixon was found suffering from a severe gunshot wound believed to have been self-inflicted. Crucially, Baldwin confirmed that no law enforcement officers discharged their weapons during the standoff.
Dixon was immediately transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where he remains under heavy police guard. Officials are expected to provide further updates on his condition and the investigation at a press conference scheduled for Monday.
The Charges and the Violent Encounter
Dixon’s capture follows a violent confrontation on Wednesday evening that left two Mifflin Township police officers injured during what was described as a routine traffic stop in the northeast side of Columbus. Authorities say Dixon opened fire on the officers without provocation before fleeing the scene on foot, sparking an intense manhunt that lasted nearly three days and involved multiple law enforcement agencies.
One of the officers, whose identity has not yet been released, was critically injured and has undergone at least two surgeries. His condition was recently upgraded to stable. The second officer was treated and discharged the following day.
Nationwide Manhunt and Public Outcry
The search for Dixon quickly escalated to a nationwide manhunt, with agencies pooling resources to locate the armed and dangerous suspect. A $40,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest, including $25,000 from the FBI, as law enforcement emphasized the urgency of the case.
At a Thursday news conference, Franklin County Chief Deputy Rick Minerd raised concerns that Dixon may have received assistance while evading authorities. “I don’t think he evaded a couple hundred officers out there Wednesday night by himself,” Minerd said. “There’s no rock that you’re gonna hide under.”
Investigators are now focused on identifying any individuals who may have harbored Dixon or helped him remain hidden. Those found complicit could face serious charges.
A Troubled Criminal Past
Court records reveal a troubling history of criminal activity linked to Dixon. In 2023, he was convicted of burglary, kidnapping, domestic violence, aggravated menacing, and unlawful possession of a dangerous ordinance. He also faced charges for having weapons under disability, indicating he was legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions.
This most recent incident could bring a cascade of new charges with significantly higher stakes. If convicted of attempted murder and assault on law enforcement, Dixon could face decades in prison or even a potential life sentence.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The shooting has rattled the Mifflin Township and greater Columbus communities, where concerns over escalating violence and officer safety have been front and center in recent days. Both local and federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the full scope of Dixon’s actions and are exploring whether he had access to additional firearms or received logistical support.
Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information about Dixon’s whereabouts in the days following the shooting or about individuals who may have assisted him.
As the community awaits further information at Monday’s press conference, officials have praised the efforts of law enforcement in securing a peaceful resolution to what could have been an even more dangerous situation.
this developing story unfolds and as new details emerge about the suspect’s condition, charges, and possible accomplices.