FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2025
Obetz, OH – The suspect involved in the shooting of two Mifflin Township Police Officers is now in custody.
On Friday, May 30th, 2025, just before 8:00pm the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, working in coordination with partner agencies, executed a search warrant at an apartment located at 4318 Thelma Drive in Obetz. As deputies arrived and prepared to serve the warrant, gunfire was heard from inside the apartment.
The Sheriff’s Office SWAT team made entry into the residence and located the suspect, identified as Daveonte Dixon, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. No deputies discharged their weapons during the incident.
Dixon was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) are leading the ongoing investigation.
The original incident occurred on May 28, 2025, at approximately 6:45 p.m., when Mifflin Township Police initiated a traffic stop near Mecca Drive and Perdue Avenue. During the stop, Dixon, who was a passenger in the vehicle, fled on foot. As officers pursued him, he turned and opened fire, striking two Mifflin Township Police officers.
One officer has since been released from the hospital. The second officer remains hospitalized.
Dixon is currently charged with the following offenses:
• One count of Attempted Murder
• Two counts of Felonious Assault
Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin wants to thank the community for their continued support. He also wants to thank the many local, state and federal agencies that have provided invaluable assistance in this case.
Operation BRIDGE; going beyond arrest, and helping to transform lives.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with state and local agencies to address the deep-rooted connection between drugs and crime.
We’re counting down to the unofficial kickoff of summer – Memorial Day weekend. As we begin the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” we want to remind everyone to make safety a priority every time you get behind the wheel.
Join Deputy Ward, as we ride along and share important summer driving safety tips to help keep you, your family, and our community safe all season long.
Congratulations!!
We want to congratulate Chief Hill on receiving the Special Commendation Award from the Columbus Division of Police.
Chief Hill earned the award for his quick actions in assisting during an auto accident involving a car fire.
Thank you, Chief for your continued service to our community!
Congratulations to our new Sergeants and newly promoted Lieutenant! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our community have earned this well-deserved achievement.
Thank you for your continued leadership. We are proud to recognize this milestone in your careers and look forward to your continued accomplishments.
𝐀 𝐬𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐑𝐝 / 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐳 𝐑𝐝., 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩.
The Franklin County DUI Task Force and the Ohio Highway Patrol will conduct a sobriety checkpoint between 8:00 pm and 12:30 am.
𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢 𝘋𝘜𝘐 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵.
The court not only mandates that we release the specific locations of the checkpoints, but the Task Force wants to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or make other arrangements.
Today is National Peace Officers Memorial Day. We want to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives to serve our communities.
Please join us in keeping the fallen, their families and all who continue to serve in our thoughts today.
Our investigative team was honored to participate in the Attorney General’s Cold Case Summit.
Sgt. John Thompson and Sgt. Mickey Casper presented on the cold case investigation of Alma Lake who was murdered in 1991.
Through familial DNA, emerging technology and outstanding detective work, detectives arrested Robert Edwards more than 30 years later.
Edwards was also charged with the 1996 murder of Michelle Dawson. He was sentenced to life in prison.
We want to thank the Attorney General’s Office for the opportunity to participate in this important summit. We also want to thank our detectives for their unwavering dedication and commitment to these cases, helping bring justice and closure for families.
Community Tip Leads to Arrest of Registered Sex Offender
Thanks to a tip from a concerned community member, detectives were able to locate a registered sex offender who was living near an elementary school.
The tip indicated that Lorenzo Contreras had been living with his mother near the school and had reportedly been watching young children in the area. Following an investigation, detectives confirmed the information and arrested Contreras on April 30th.
Contreras is currently being held in the Franklin County Jail and has been charged with Failure to Notify of a Change of Address.
This arrest is a strong reminder of the important role our community plays in public safety. We encourage residents to report suspicious or concerning activity. You can easily submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office app, on our website or by calling The Offender Compliance Unit at 614-525-5272.
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of our team -- Maverick!
Maverick is a 9-month-old Labrador Retriever with a big personality and an even bigger love for people.
When he’s not showing off his tug-of-war skills or playing fetch, you’ll likely find him enjoying one of his many well-earned naps.
As part of our Recruitment Team, Maverick will be out in the community attending events, meeting people, and helping us connect with future members of the Sheriff’s Office.
So, if you see Maverick – make sure to stop by and say hello!!
If you’d like more information about joining out team, please click on the following link:
https://sheriff.franklincountyohio.gov/About-Us/Divisions/Recruitment-Community-Engagement-Professional-Development/Join-Us
