Anil Dabydeen, a 40-year-old resident of Charlotte, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after an incident in which he shot at vehicles on Interstate 485. The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to information presented in court, on January 8, 2025, officers from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to reports of gunfire near the South Tryon Street exit on I-485. Multiple 911 calls described a man driving a white Honda sedan and shooting at passing vehicles. When law enforcement arrived, they found two victims whose vehicle had been struck by gunfire. Officers reviewed witness video footage showing an individual later identified as Dabydeen walking around the stopped sedan with a firearm and pointing it at other cars.
While investigating, officers saw a white Honda sedan speeding southbound that matched the description from the shooting. After a short pursuit, Dabydeen stopped and was taken into custody. Police recovered a live round of 9mm ammunition and a Taurus Model G3c 9mm pistol reported stolen. Dabydeen has a previous felony conviction for first-degree manslaughter in New York and is legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson stated: “The violent shootings in Charlotte have gotten out of hand. Where we can, the federal government will step in and put the most violent offenders behind bars.”
Dabydeen remains in federal custody while awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte Field Division and CMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa is prosecuting the case.
