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Man Working With Police Shot In Botched Gun Sting, Prosecutors Say

By Erica Demarest | October 20, 2017 5:20pm
 Hector Aguirre, 17, is charged as an adult with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery. File photo.
Hector Aguirre, 17, is charged as an adult with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery. File photo.
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COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — A man was shot in both hands in Brighton Park this month while helping Chicago Police officers and ATF agents arrange an illegal gun sale, prosecutors said Friday.

One of the victim's fingers must be partially amputated due to the attack.

Accused gunman Hector Aguirre, 17, appeared in bond court Friday on charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a gun. He is charged as an adult and was denied bail.

According to prosecutors, Aguirre and the 28-year-old victim had known each other for four years prior to meeting in the 4600 block of South Western Avenue about 4:25 p.m. Oct. 10.

In a series of text messages, the victim arranged to buy a Mach 10 machine gun and two 30-round magazines from Aguirre that afternoon, Assistant State's Attorney Jason Coelho said in court Friday at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, 2650 S. California Ave.

Prosecutors said the victim was working with both Chicago Police officers and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosions.

Neither agency would confirm its involvement Friday, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

When the victim approached Aguirre in an alley, Coelho said, Aguirre was wearing all black and smiling. Aguirre soon pulled out a large chrome revolver and pointed it at the victim's head, prosecutors said.

The victim grabbed the revolver and pointed it away from his head, according to Coelho. That's when Aguirre began shooting — striking the victim in both of his hands as he ran away, authorities said.

Nearby ATF agents helped the victim escape, prosecutors said, and Aguirre was arrested on a warrant Thursday. Prosecutors described him as a documented Satan Disciple gang member.

Shortly after the shooting, the Chicago Police Department's Office of News Affairs released the following statement: "A 28 year old male age [sic] sustained a gunshot wound to the finger. The victim was transported to Mt Sinai Hospital in good condition. The victim is not being cooperative with police investigation." Police also said the shooting was gang-related.

When asked how a man reportedly working with local and federal law enforcement could be described as "not being cooperative with police investigation," CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi on Friday said: "The case is now pending trial, and all comments from here on in must be made by prosecutors at this point."