(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.
Federal authorities say this weapon was used in the killing of Chicago Police officer Ella French.U.S. Attorney
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.
