A federal grand jury in Chicago has delivered an indictment against Marquist Evans, a 30-year-old Chicago resident, for illegal possession of a loaded firearm during an altercation that involved an exchange of gunfire. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Evans was involved in the shooting while positioned at the doorway of a gas station on the 500 block of West Grenshaw Street in Chicago.

The incident, which occurred on May 6, escalated when Evans reportedly fired his weapon, equipped with a "Glock switch," at two other shooters who had opened fire with a rifle. These events led to the current charges, with the indictment specifying illegal possession of a machine gun and ammunition. Evans, now in custody, will be arraigned on the federal charges on August 15.

Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual, along with special agents and law enforcement authorities, announced the indictment and highlighted the collaborative efforts in the ongoing battle against gun violence in the city. "Our office is using every available law enforcement tool to continue to bring impactful cases that hold firearm offenders accountable and reduce violent crime in Chicago," said Pasqual in the statement.

Authorities credited the success of this investigation to the partnerships and resources provided by the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) of Chicago, which commenced its operations earlier this spring. "The CGIC’s real time analysis of crime gun intelligence is a game changer in arresting and holding accountable those who are drivers of violent gun crime in our community," ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Amon told reporters.

The indictment serves as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative focusing on reducing violent crime, particularly those crimes committed with firearms. If convicted of the charges, Evans faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.