2 Men Shot In Gun Trafficking Sting, Getaway Driver Face Federal Charges: U.S. Attorney

CHICAGO — Two people have been charged in federal court with attempted robbery after they were shot on Tuesday while attempting to rob federal agents during an undercover investigation in a Chicago suburb, federal officials said.

A third person—the alleged getaway driver in the attempted robbery—was charged with forcibly assaulting a federal officer after allegedly driving a car into a law enforcement vehicle while attempting to flee. A fourth person was charged with trafficking a firearm as part of this investigation, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illinois, said Friday.

With each one pointing a firearm at law enforcement, Amir A. Gaan, 19, of Harvey, and Demond Edwards, 18, of Markham, attempted to rob two ATF officers during an undercover operation on Tuesday evening near a residence in Country Club Hills, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

According to the complaint, the undercover officers and a confidential informant arrived at the residence to purchase firearms in an ongoing firearms trafficking investigation. While the officers and informant waited outside the residence, Fagan and Edwards allegedly arrived in a car with other individuals.

Officials allege that Fagan, Edwards, and a third person got out of a car and pointed firearms at the officers and informant. A separate team of ATF agents quickly arrived at the scene and fired shots at Fagan and Edwards, striking Fagan. The accused getaway driver, Chashonn Toney, 18, of Robbins, rammed the car into an ATF vehicle while attempting to flee, the complaint alleges.

Officials say Edwards ran from the scene on foot but was found by another officer about two blocks away. A physical altercation ensued, with Edwards hitting the officer multiple times in the face and body, the complaint alleges. In response, the officer shot Edwards, wounding him, the complaint says.

The complaint charges Fagan and Edwards with attempted robbery, while Toney is charged with forcibly assaulting a law enforcement officer. The accused firearms trafficker—Tevin Curlee, 29, of Country Club Hills—was charged as part of the investigation with unlawfully possessing and transferring a machine gun, according to a separate complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

Curlee sold a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device to undercover law enforcement officers on June 3 in Crestwood, the complaint alleges.

The defendants' initial appearances in federal court in Chicago are pending.

“Our federal, state, and local law enforcement officers are constantly displaying heroism that makes us all proud,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Every day, these brave officers step into uncertainty with a resolve to protect others, often at great personal risk. Their courage allows our communities to thrive and be better, and exemplifies the highest ideals of public service. 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. I am also proud of the Chicago Assistant U.S. Attorneys and supervisors who immediately jumped into a volatile and fast-moving situation to work with our law enforcement partners to bring immediate charges against these defendants.”

“The attempted armed robbery of our undercover agents highlights the risks law enforcement officers face every day while working to protect our communities and disrupt violent crime,” said ATF SAC Amon. “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. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chicago Police Department, Illinois State Police, FBI, and the many suburban police departments that immediately responded to assist and support the investigation.”

“The FBI possesses the specialized skills and vast resources needed to conduct investigations across a wide range of threats from counterintelligence to counterterrorism, cybercrime, public corruption, violent crime, and more," said FBI SAC DePodesta. "Our personnel work around-the-clock lending our talent, resources, and expertise to law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. The FBI remains committed to rooting out violent crime, especially when committed against law enforcement, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.”