Washington man arrested after offering to trade a submachine gun for an ATV on Facebook Marketplace, adding to his lengthy criminal record of weapons violations and driving offenses.
Key Takeaways
- Jacob Shawn Dixon attempted to trade an illegal submachine gun, suppressor, and motorcycle for an ATV on Facebook Marketplace
- The recipient of the offer reported it to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, triggering an investigation
- Dixon sent video evidence of the illegal firearm’s functionality to the potential seller
- Lower Columbia SWAT team arrested Dixon during a covert meeting arranged by law enforcement
- Dixon faces multiple charges including unlawful firearms possession, dangerous weapons violations, and driving with a suspended license
Illegal Weapon Bartering on Social Media
A Washington state man’s attempt to acquire an all-terrain vehicle through Facebook Marketplace has landed him in serious legal trouble after he offered to trade illegal firearms instead of cash. Jacob Shawn Dixon responded to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement for an ATV with an unconventional proposition, offering to trade a submachine gun, a suppressor, and a motorcycle for the recreational vehicle. The seller, recognizing the questionable nature of the offer, promptly contacted the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, triggering an investigation into Dixon’s activities and setting in motion a law enforcement operation.
Criminal History and Self-Incrimination
Records revealed that Dixon already had a history of weapons offenses and driving with a suspended license, making his latest attempt to acquire more firepower particularly concerning to authorities. During communications with the seller, Dixon made several self-incriminating statements that strengthened the case against him.
He openly acknowledged that the submachine gun was illegal in Washington state and specifically instructed the seller to keep their conversation secret. Dixon even went so far as to send video evidence demonstrating the functionality of the illegal automatic weapon, providing law enforcement with clear documentation of the contraband he was attempting to trade.
SWAT Team Intervention
Following Dixon’s incriminating communications, Crime Reduction Team detectives coordinated with the Lower Columbia SWAT team to arrange a controlled meeting with the suspect. Under the guise of proceeding with the trade, law enforcement officers set up a location where Dixon believed he would be meeting the seller to exchange his illegal firearms for the ATV. When Dixon arrived at the predetermined location, SWAT team members executed a swift arrest operation, taking him into custody without incident and preventing the illegal weapons from changing hands.
Serious Legal Consequences
The consequences of Dixon’s ill-conceived marketplace offer are substantial. He now faces multiple serious charges including unlawful firearms possession, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, dangerous weapons violations, assault weapons charges, and driving with a suspended license. This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces with illegal weapons trafficking and the increasingly common use of social media platforms as marketplaces for illicit transactions. The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office’s successful intervention represents an important win in curbing illegal firearms transactions in Washington state.
Public Safety Implications
This case illustrates the critical role vigilant citizens play in helping law enforcement prevent illegal firearms from circulating in our communities. Had the Facebook Marketplace seller not reported Dixon’s unusual offer, the dangerous submachine gun might have continued changing hands in unregulated transactions. The incident also underscores the ongoing problem of criminals using seemingly innocent online marketplaces to conduct illegal business. For law-abiding gun owners who follow proper channels for firearm purchases and transfers, cases like Dixon’s highlight the distinction between responsible ownership and criminal trafficking that endangers public safety.
