A Charlotte man with a history of felony conviction has been indicted by a federal grand jury on firearms charges after allegedly opening fire on passing vehicles along I-485. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina reports Anil Dabydeen, 39, faces charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
On the afternoon of January 8, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department responded to calls regarding a shooter on the interstate highway. A filed criminal complaint mentions that witnesses described a male driving a white Honda sedan who was shooting at vehicles, as detailed in a statement from Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron. After being dispatched to the scene, officers found two gunshot victims and a video evidence that showed Dabydeen with a firearm on the roadside.
During the incident, law enforcement officials spotted a white Honda sedan, recognizing it from the earlier shooting, and gave chase. The pursuit ended shortly, and Dabydeen was apprehended, allegedly recovering a stolen 9mm pistol and ammunition in his possession. As a convicted felon with a manslaughter charge from New York, Dabydeen is prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition.
While still under custody, Dabydeen's indictment emphasizes the collaborative efforts of local and federal law enforcement, with special acknowledgments toward the ATF and the CMPD for spearheading the investigation. "Dabydeen is currently in custody," commented Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron, reaffirming the partnership in the case's prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa. Although charged, Dabydeen remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
