GBI makes another Arrest in Hall Deputy Shooting Case

On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gainesville Police Department made five additional arrests that stem from other crimes committed by a group of individuals associated with the persons involved in the July 7, shooting of Hall County Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon.  The individuals arrested are 17-year-old Jiovanny Castillo, 18-year-old Antony Macias, 18-year-old Adrian Gonzalez Verduzco, 17-year-old Rodolfo Rodriguez Puentes, and 19-year-old Jorge Rodriguez, all of Gainesville, Georgia. All five were charged with tampering with evidence and hindering apprehension of a criminal. Macias, Verduzco, Puentes and Rodriguez were additionally charged with theft by receiving stolen property.  Since the original investigation and the arrests of Hector Garcia-Solis, Brayan Cruz, Eric Velazquez and London Clements for felony murder, the GBI, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and the Gainesville Police Department have worked tirelessly to recover the weapons and other property stolen during the Double Deuce Pawn Store burglary on Saturday, July 6, 2019. Of the 27 firearms stolen during this burglary, 25 have been recovered.  A large cache of ammunition and two crossbows were also recovered. Additional crimes were identified as having been done by this group. As a result of the joint investigation, an additional firearm and 7 stolen vehicles have been recovered. In total, 6 burglaries, 2 theft by taking motor vehicles and 3 entering auto cases have been solved. Solis and Velazquez will face additional charges related to the burglaries, theft of motor vehicles and entering autos.  On Monday, July 8, 2019, the GBI was requested by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of Hall County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon, age 28. Preliminary information indicates that on Sunday, July 7, 2019, at approximately 11:09pm, Deputy Dixon attempted to stop a stolen vehicle occupied by four males. A chase ensued and ended with the subjects fleeing on foot. Deputy Dixon and another deputy made contact with the subject, 17-year-old Hector Garcia Solis, in the yard of 43 Highland Avenue in Gainesville and gunfire was exchanged.  Deputy Dixon was shot one time and subsequently died from the wound. Garcia was struck multiple times and is in critical condition at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. When the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Hall County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.