An armed carjacker from Charlotte has been sentenced to eight years in prison, with an additional two years of supervised release to follow, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced today. Johnvonta Shiquan-Alexander Dixon, 26, was sentenced after a violent episode on September 12, 2022, where he threatened and stole a car at gunpoint from an AutoZone parking lot. This information comes in line with a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
According to the U.S. Attorney Dena J. King, "Dixon pointed a gun and threatened an innocent victim's life just to steal a car. That’s more than a brazen crime – it’s a ruthless display of violence." The sentencing reflects the severity of the crime and aims to firmly bring about justice for the victim. The investigation, leading up to the arrest, was a joint effort between the ATF and CMPD. ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims highlighted their priority is to protect communities against such threats and was proud to quickly bring Dixon to justice. Video evidence from the crime scene helped in swiftly tracking down the offender who had followed the victim from a nearby arcade to the gas station and then to AutoZone where the crime occurred. Court records reveal Dixon had meticulously planned to track the victim's movements that evening, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Law enforcement's detailed investigation involved analysis of video surveillance and forensic analysis of text messages and photographs found on Dixon's phone, which indicated his tracking of the victim and his possession of the stolen firearms. In an attempt to escape arrest, Dixon made a dramatic attempt to avoid police by first hiding in an attic and then crashing through a neighboring unit's ceiling, details included in the court documents. In the end, his efforts to evade capture proved futile as he was arrested on October 4, 2022. After pleading guilty earlier this year, Dixon has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and awaits placement by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The case against Dixon is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program dedicated to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make neighborhoods safer for everyone involved. The program operates on principles which include fostering trust within the community and supporting organizations that help prevent violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kelly, who prosecuted the case, noted the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts in bringing individuals like Dixon to justice.
