Teen Breaks Into Family Dollar, Sprays Self With Fire Extinguisher to Elude Capture

On 04-4-16 at approximately 10:33 p.m., a caller walking in the area of Northcliffe Boulevard in Spring Hill reported hearing the sound of breaking glass followed by an unknown male running from the Family Dollar store located at 10620 Northcliffe Blvd.

When deputies arrived, they found the front glass window to the business had been broken using a cinder block.

Deputies noted that the suspect, later identified as Anthony Dixon Jr. B/M DOB/7-27-97, appeared to turn off the power to the business from the outside prior to breaking the window and entering the business.

Additional deputies and a K-9 Unit were called in to search for the suspect.

While conducting the search, deputies found an area behind a neighboring business where a large amount of a white powdery substance from a fire extinguisher had been sprayed.

A short time later, deputies then found two spent fire extinguishers, belonging to Mariner’s Cay apartments, in a nearby alleyway.

With the help of tips from bystanders, deputies were able to locate Dixon walking in the area of Hearth Boulevard.

Deputies noted Dixon appeared to have a white powdery substance on his legs. Dixon was taken into custody without incident.

During questioning, Dixon admitted to breaking into the Family Dollar in an attempt to steal cigarettes. Dixon added that he stole the fire extinguishers from the apartment complex and sprayed himself in an attempt to elude capture.

Dixon was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center on charges of Burglary and Criminal Mischief. He was also charged with two counts of Grand Theft in connection with the stolen fire extinguishers. His bond was set at $11,000.