$51K Reward Offered For Capture In Shooting Of ATF Agent

CHICAGO, IL — An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was shot during what law enforcement officials have called an "ambush." The victim was working on a federal investigation with Chicago police officers early Friday morning in the city's Back of the Yards neighborhood. Chicago police and FBI agents have announced a $51,000 reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest of someone in connection with the shooting.

The agent was working in the 4500 block of South Hermitage when he was shot at 3:18 a.m. He was part of a newly created task-force aimed at curbing gun violence in the city of Chicago, the USA Today reports.

Originally taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, Chicago police say the agent's condition later stabilized and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Meanwhile, a manhunt to find the shooter continued into the early afternoon hours on Friday, when police announced the reward was pledged in part by the FBI, United States Marshall's Office and activist Pastor Andrew Holmes.

A Captured News report initially indicated a second officer was also injured in the incident, but Chicago police have said none of their officers were shot or injured. One Chicago police officer was taken to the hospital for "observation," according to a police report on the incident.

Celinez Nunez, the ATF special agent in charge of the Chicago office, called the overnight attack on several of her agents during a gun investigation an "ambush."

"One of our agents was shot in the face," she said. "We need the community to help us. This is an all hands on deck approach."

A description of the wanted suspect has not been publicly given. Several law enforcement agencies continue to take part in the search. Anyone with information should contact the Chicago Police Department's Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.

The Back of the Yards neighborhood where the agent was shot has been the site of multiple incidents where police officers were shot or shot at over the past year.

"We have some violent individuals in that area," Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson said, vowing that the manhunt to find the shooter or shooters will be successful.

"We will find you," he said during an afternoon press briefing. "We will knock on every door, analyze every piece of evidence and follow every lead until we find you."

This is a developing story. Check back here later for updates.

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