On the night of July 7, 2019, 28-year-old Hall County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon was killed in the line of duty in Gainesville, Georgia. Deputies tried to stop a stolen car believed tied to recent burglaries; the vehicle fled and crashed. Four occupants fled on foot. Dixon and other deputies chased; as Dixon pursued one suspect he ordered him to show his hands. The suspect, identified in reports as 17-year-old Hector Garcia-Solis, briefly disappeared behind a residence, then reemerged and opened fire. Dixon was struck by a single gunshot wound just below his ballistic vest, returned fire, and was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center where he died.

All four primary suspects — Hector Garcia-Solis and three 17-year-olds named London Alexander Clements, Brayan Omar Cruz, and Eric Edgardo Velazquez — were arrested at or shortly after the scene and charged with felony murder. Investigators expanded the probe and arrested five more teenagers from Gainesville on charges including tampering with evidence and hindering apprehension; officers also recovered numerous stolen firearms and vehicles tied to a burglary series. In June 2021, jury selection began for the trial of Garcia-Solis, Clements, and Velazquez.

If anyone knew Deputy Dixon or has information about the events that night or the broader burglary ring, please share what is known.