A drive-by shooting that happened last July 7 left two federal agents and an officer wounded. The good news is that all were treated for injuries and have been released. The bad news is that the claim of suspect Eugene McClaurin may not be enough for him to escape more charges.
The 28-year-old alleged that he thought that the three law enforcement officers were part of a rival gang, the reason why he shot at them. The three were shot by McClaurin when they rode on an unmarked vehicle on Chicago’s South Side early Wednesday.
McClaurin alleged that he followed the three and admitted to pulling up alongside their vehicle, rolling down his window and opening fire. He used a Glock that he allegedly purchased a few months before the shooting incident for personal protection.
One of the agents was hit in the hand and the other was struck in the torso, while the local police officer was grazed in the back of the head.
As a result of his actions, the 28-year-old is charged with one count of using a dangerous and deadly weapon to assault a special agent from the ATF. More charges are likely to follow. The one-count McLaurin is facing could see him getting jailed for a maximum of 20 years.
McClaurin made an initial appearance on Thursday at a federal court in Chicago. Prosecutors plan to ask that he remain behind bars since he poses a danger to society. A defense lawyer waived a bond hearing for now.
“We will not relent in this fight against gun violence and protecting the people of Chicago,” Chicago police Superintendent David Brown stated.
It was the latest in the rampant gun violence in Chicago. Ironically, the shooting incident happened on the same day when US President Joe Biden sat down with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to address the matter.
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