An undercover gun sting took a violent turn Tuesday evening when two teenagers allegedly pulled weapons on federal agents, resulting in a shootout that left both suspects wounded.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Chicago federal court, undercover ATF officers and a confidential informant went to a home in Country Club Hills to buy guns. They were working on a broader illegal firearms trafficking investigation. But while they waited outside, the situation quickly escalated.
Nineteen-year-old Amir A. Fagan and 18-year-old Demond Edwards pulled up in a car with a third person. Instead of a sale, the trio stepped out and aimed their guns straight at the undercover team. A backup unit of ATF agents quickly rushed the scene and opened fire, hitting Fagan.
The chaos didn’t stop there. The group’s alleged getaway driver, 18-year-old Chashonn Toney, slammed his car into an ATF vehicle while trying to speed away. Meanwhile, Edwards took off running on foot.
Officers tracked Edwards down about two blocks away. A physical brawl broke out, and Edwards allegedly punched an officer several times in the face and body. The officer then shot and wounded the teen, according to the complaint.
Federal prosecutors have officially charged Fagan, of Harvey, and Edwards, of Markham, with attempted robbery. Toney, a Robbins resident, is facing charges for forcibly assaulting a law enforcement officer.
A fourth man, 29-year-old Tevin Curlee of Country Club Hills, was also charged as part of the broader investigation. Authorities say Curlee sold a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device to undercover officers on June 3 in nearby Crestwood. He is charged with unlawfully possessing and transferring a machine gun.
Top law enforcement officials publicly condemned the violence while announcing the charges. U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros praised the officers for stepping into uncertainty to protect the community.
“Every day, these brave officers step into uncertainty with a resolve to protect others, often at great personal risk,” Boutros said. “Attacks on these heroic men and women in law enforcement will not be tolerated, and our Office will pursue every available measure under the law to hold dangerous criminals accountable when they dare strike at law enforcement and our way of life.”
Christopher Amon, the Special Agent-in-Charge for the ATF in Chicago, said the attempted robbery is a stark reminder of the daily dangers his teams face to disrupt violent crime.
“I want to recognize the professionalism, courage, and swift actions of the agents and officers involved in this incident, and we are grateful that all law enforcement personnel are safe,” Amon stated, offering thanks to local police and the FBI for their rapid response.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta echoed that sentiment, noting the agency’s commitment to stopping attacks against officers. “The FBI remains committed to rooting out violent crime, especially when committed against law enforcement, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice,” he said.
All four defendants are currently awaiting their initial court appearances in Chicago. Authorities note that a complaint is not evidence of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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