Detroit Man Illegally Buys Gun Teen Used To Kill DPD Officer: Feds

Detroit MI

11 July, 2022

10:14 AM

Description

DETROIT — A Detroit man is in trouble after federal officials said he illegally bought a gun for a teenager who police said used it to fatally shoot a Detroit police officer, the Department of Justice announced Sunday. Sheldon Avery Thomas, 26, was charged with making a false statement in the acquisition of the firearm, officials said. Thomas said he was buying the gun for himself, when he was actually purchasing the gun for 19-year-old Ehmani Davis, who police said ambushed a group of Detroit Police officers and fatally shot officer Loren Courts, federal officials said. Buying a gun for someone who cannot legally have one, or straw purchasing, is a federal crime punishable by a maximum of $250,000 and ten years in prison. "The tragic death of Officer Courts is one more terrible example of what happens when guns are supplied to those who are prohibited from possessing them," United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison said. "Our office will continue to focus on the drivers of violence, which includes both those who commit violent crimes using firearms and those who help them obtain firearms illegally. This case should serve as a warning to those thinking about straw purchasing firearms — you will face federal charges." Detroit Police said officers responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Joy Road and Marlow Street on Wednesday night. As officers arrived at the apartment complex, police said Davis shot out an upstairs window and began firing shots from a Draco assault weapon, fatally striking officer Courts. Other officers quickly arrived at the scene and fired back at Davis, fatally striking him numerous times, White said. Courts was taken to Sinai Grace Hospital, where he later died from gunshot injuries, police said. After the shooting, federal agents traced the gun Davis used in the shooting and learned Thomas bought the gun for Davis at a gun store in Eastpointe on June 7, officials said. Thomas was later seen on surveillance video meeting with Davis in a nearby parking lot. Thomas admitted to federal officials for purchasing the buy for Davis, according to a criminal complaint. After giving Davis the gun, Thomas told federal officials he told Davis: "Don't do nothing f------ stupid because my name is on it (the gun)," according to the complaint.