CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A federal grand jury in Charlotte has indicted a man on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection to an interstate shooting.
The violent incident occurred on January 8, 2025, when Anil Dabydeen, 39, of Charlotte, allegedly shot at vehicles on Interstate 485 in southwest Charlotte.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of NC Lawrence J. Cameron, the charge stems from Dabydeen’s alleged actions of firing at passing vehicles.
On the afternoon of January 8, CMPD officers responded to reports of a shooting at the South Tryon Street exit on I-485. Several 911 calls alerted authorities to a man driving a white Honda car who was reportedly shooting at vehicles on the highway.
As officers arrived at the scene, they found two people who had been struck by gunfire. The victims said that their vehicle had been hit while traveling south on I-485.
A witness at the scene captured a video that allegedly shows a man, later identified as Dabydeen, walking around a white car while holding a firearm and pointing it at vehicles.
This video evidence played a pivotal role in identifying Dabydeen as the suspect.
As CMPD officers continued their investigation, they saw a white Honda car speeding south on I-485. Recognizing the vehicle from the reported shooting, officers initiated a brief pursuit.
Authorities said Dabydeen eventually stopped his vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident. CMPD said they recovered a stolen Taurus G3c 9mm pistol, along with a live round of 9mm ammunition, during the arrest.
Dabydeen’s prior criminal record includes a conviction for first-degree manslaughter in New York, which prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Due to his status as a convicted felon, Dabydeen faces serious charges. The federal charge of possession of a firearm by a felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department are leading this investigation.
