> At a Glance
> – Ronald Byrd, 37, sentenced to 22 years in prison for armed carjacking of a FedEx truck in August 2022
> – Cocaine worth $500,000 found in package he was targeting
> – Co-defendant Saikeen Dixon received 12+ years last month
> – Why it matters: The brazen daylight hijacking put drivers and residents at risk and exposed a major drug trafficking operation
A Philadelphia man will spend decades behind bars for orchestrating an armed hijacking of a FedEx delivery truck to steal a cocaine-filled package, federal prosecutors announced.
The Hijacking Plot
On August 10, 2022, the scheme unfolded when a former FedEx employee repeatedly contacted driver J.H. about a specific package addressed to “Universal Medical Inc” at Temple Hospital. When the driver refused to hand it over, the situation escalated dramatically.
After completing deliveries at nearby Shriners Children’s Hospital, J.H. headed south on Broad Street. That’s when Saikeen Dixon pulled a black Jeep Cherokee in front of the FedEx truck at a red light. Ronald Byrd jumped out, pointed a semi-automatic pistol at the driver, and commandeered the vehicle.
The Chase and Discovery
Byrd drove the stolen truck across Grays Ferry Bridge before abandoning it at 47th and Linmore. The Jeep fled with both men inside.
When investigators examined the package P.A. had been demanding, they discovered:
- 9 kilograms of cocaine hidden in “DSQUARED2” labeled packages
- Estimated street value of $500,000
- Package was shipped from “Caliber Consulting LLC” in California
FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs stated:
> “This defendant’s conduct placed Philadelphia residents at risk. Today’s result was made possible by the tireless efforts of the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and our partners.”
Justice Served
Both Byrd and Dixon faced federal charges in September 2023. Their convictions included:
- Carjacking
- Using and brandishing firearms during a violent crime
- Byrd also pleaded guilty to attempted cocaine distribution
Dixon received his sentence last month. Byrd’s 22-year sentence includes an additional 10 years of supervised release.
Key Takeaways
- The armed hijacking targeted a specific cocaine shipment disguised as medical supplies
- Quick police work and a drug-sniffing dog exposed the hidden drugs
- Both perpetrators now face over a decade each in federal prison
- The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat violent drug trafficking operations in Philadelphia
Federal authorities credited collaborative efforts between the FBI, Philadelphia Police, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for bringing the dangerous criminals to justice.
