(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Hammond, Indiana resident was the middleman in the illegal transfer of a gun used in a shooting that killed a Chicago police officer and critically wounded a second officer, federal prosecutors said Monday.
Authorities arrested Jamel Danzy in connection with Saturday night's shooting during a traffic stop at 63rd and Bell in West Englewood.
The shooting killed 29-year-old officer Ella French and put her partner in the hospital in critical condition.
Prosecutors say Danzy, 29, acted as what's called a straw purchaser, meaning he bought a gun for someone who otherwise wouldn't legally be able to have one.
Danzy bought the weapon in March from a Hammond gun dealer and signed a form declaring that he was the actual buyer of the firearm, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.
In an interview with federal agents Sunday, Danzy, a restaurant worker, allegedly admitted to authorities that he had obtained the gun for someone else who could not legally own a firearm. This person lived in Chicago, Danzy told agents, according to the document.
Danzy was ordered held, pending a hearing later this week, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago said.
Detectives are reportedly questioning at least two other people in the case.
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