A Washington man who offered to trade an illegal submachine gun on Facebook Marketplace is now facing multiple felony charges after the shocked seller alerted authorities to the brazen proposition.
Key Takeaways
- Jacob Shawn Dixon attempted to trade a submachine gun, suppressor, and motorcycle for an ATV on Facebook Marketplace
- Dixon acknowledged the gun’s illegality in Washington state and instructed the seller to keep the transaction secret
- The seller reported the illegal trade offer to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, leading to an investigation
- Dixon has a history of weapons offenses and driving with a suspended license
- A coordinated operation between detectives and SWAT led to Dixon’s arrest on multiple weapons charges
Illegal Weapons Offer on Social Media
In a stunning display of criminal brazenness, Jacob Shawn Dixon turned to Facebook Marketplace not to sell household items or furniture like most users, but to attempt acquiring an ATV through an illegal weapons trade. Dixon approached a seller listing an all-terrain vehicle with an unusual proposition – offering to trade a submachine gun, a suppressor, and a motorcycle instead of making a standard cash purchase. The seller, immediately recognizing the illegal nature of the proposed transaction, contacted local authorities, triggering an investigation by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office in Washington state.
Dixon seemingly made no attempt to disguise the illegality of his offer. During subsequent communications with the seller, he openly acknowledged that the submachine gun was illegal in Washington state. Even more concerning, Dixon specifically instructed the potential seller to maintain secrecy about the transaction, demonstrating awareness of the criminal nature of his actions. To prove the weapon’s functionality, Dixon went so far as to send video evidence showing the illegal firearm in operation.
Criminal History and Coordinated Arrest
This wasn’t Dixon’s first encounter with law enforcement. Records show he already had a troubling history of weapons offenses and had previously been cited for driving with a suspended license. His criminal background likely contributed to the serious response from local authorities, who recognized the potential danger presented by an individual willing to traffic illegal automatic weapons through public online marketplaces. The cavalier attempt to circulate such dangerous weapons through social media platforms represents a particularly concerning trend for law enforcement.
Special Operations Team Conducts Sting
After learning of Dixon’s illegal proposition, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office mobilized its Crime Reduction Team (CRT) detectives to coordinate with the Lower Columbia SWAT team. Together, they developed a strategic operation to apprehend Dixon while minimizing risk to the public. Undercover officers arranged a meeting with Dixon under the pretense of completing the trade, creating a controlled environment for the arrest. When Dixon arrived at the designated meeting location, law enforcement executed their plan flawlessly, taking him into custody without incident.
Multiple Serious Charges Filed
Following his arrest, Dixon now faces a substantial list of serious charges that could result in significant prison time. The charges include unlawful firearms possession, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of dangerous weapons, possession of assault weapons, and driving with a suspended license. The illegal submachine gun charge is particularly serious, as automatic weapons are heavily restricted under federal law and generally prohibited for civilian ownership without special licensing and registration through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Stated Jacob Shawn Dixon.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring online marketplaces for illegal activity. While platforms like Facebook Marketplace have policies prohibiting the sale of weapons and other restricted items, determined individuals continue attempting to circumvent these restrictions. The swift action by both the concerned citizen who reported the illegal offer and the coordinated response by local law enforcement prevented a dangerous weapon from potentially circulating in the community.
