Dayton, OH – A Dayton man accused of carrying out two gunpoint carjackings in the greater Dayton area Tuesday is now facing serious federal charges, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and federal prosecutors.
According to charging documents, Colby Smith, 32, has been in local law enforcement custody since Tuesday following the alleged incidents, which investigators say occurred within a short time span in Harrison Township and the City of Dayton.
Federal authorities allege Smith first brandished a firearm Tuesday morning at a victim inflating tires at the Speedway gas station on North Dixie Drive in Harrison Township. According to investigators, Smith allegedly forced the victim into his vehicle and drove off. The victim reportedly pleaded for release and was later ordered out of the car.
Shortly afterward, Smith allegedly displayed a firearm again at a City of Dayton employee working leaf collection duties on Home Avenue. Authorities say Smith entered the city truck, pointed the gun at the victim, and forced him to withdraw cash from both an ATM and a local bank branch. Smith allegedly instructed the victim to exit the truck before driving away.
Investigators say Smith later abandoned the city vehicle and returned to the first stolen vehicle in Harrison Township. Deputies located Smith inside the vehicle at a local tire shop. He allegedly attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended.
Smith made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday, December 11, 2025. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, December 16.
Federal prosecutors charged Smith with kidnapping, carjacking, and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Kidnapping carries a potential life sentence, while carjacking is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of at least seven years, to be served consecutively if convicted.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio with assistance from the FBI, Dayton Police Department, and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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