NEWS RELEASE

Yesterday afternoon, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Criminal Enforcement (M.A.C.E.) Unit executed a narcotics search warrant in the 4100 block of 30th Avenue, in Gifford. As the Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team approached the residence, wanted subject Shawn Ausby (41) of Gifford left the area in a rental car. Detectives attempted to stop Ausby on 41st Street just west of Old Dixie Highway. As detectives approached the vehicle, Ausby fled the traffic stop at a high rate of speed and crashed at the intersection of 41st Street and US Highway 1. Ausby then fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by an Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Canine. There were no reported injuries at the scene of the crash.

S.W.A.T. successfully secured the residence without incident. Detectives located and seized two hundred and sixty-five (265) hydromorphone pills, seven (7) grams of crack cocaine, nineteen (19) grams of marijuana, $1,360.00 in drug money, a stolen sixty inch television, a 9mm gun magazine containing ten bullets, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia including syringes and scales.

Ausby was arrested on his outstanding warrants for sale and possession of hydromorphone, and additional charges of trafficking in a controlled substance (hydromorphone), possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, and driving with license suspended. Ausby is still incarcerated at the Indian River County Jail with a total bond of $141,000.00.

Detective Sergeant Anthony Civita stated, “Many citizens on 30th Avenue were clapping and thanking our detectives and SWAT team after the search warrant was executed.” Sheriff Deryl Loar said, “Our deputies and detectives have been busy this week investigating the death of Mr. Dawson. Our MACE unit is working closely with them in the Gifford area, and will continue to eradicate drug dealers as they come to our attention. Someone out there knows something and we ask that they come forward.”

Anyone with information about the Dawson homicide is asked to contact Detective Christopher Anderson at (772) 978-6106 or Sergeant Nancy McNally at (772) 978-6100 in reference to case number 2014-90762. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 by calling the Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-TIPS (8477).