What started as a planned gun sale in Worcester turned into a federal case, after prosecutors say an 18-year-old struck a confidential informant in the head with a handgun during a meet-up and then bolted with the weapon. The informant, who was working with law enforcement, immediately alerted agents who were monitoring the deal, triggering a quick takedown.
Joshua Guzman, 18, of Worcester, was charged in federal court on Tuesday with assault of a person assisting federal officers with a dangerous weapon and was ordered held after his initial appearance, according to Boston 25 News. Prosecutors say the alleged assault unfolded during a firearms transaction arranged through a confidential informant.
What prosecutors allege
Federal prosecutors say communication between Guzman and the informant started over WhatsApp on Feb. 18, setting up a meeting for Feb. 25 at a location in Worcester, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. Once inside the informant’s vehicle, Guzman allegedly pulled out a pistol, racked the slide, demanded cash, used a racial slur, and then struck the informant in the head before taking off with the firearm, according to the complaint.
How the arrest unfolded
After being hit, the informant immediately contacted the agents monitoring the deal, and Guzman was soon spotted running from the scene on foot. Federal agents and local police say they caught up with him after a short chase, and a firearm fell from his clothing during the pursuit, Boston 25 News reported. Investigators later recovered clothing, a cellphone, and about $1,600 in cash, which prosecutors say lines up with the alleged robbery proceeds.
Charges and penalties
The U.S. Attorney's Office says the charge of assaulting a person assisting federal officers with a dangerous weapon carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Officials say the case is being handled by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force as part of a federal initiative known as Operation Take Back America.
All details in the charging documents are allegations, and Guzman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. His case is currently pending in federal court in Worcester. Prosecutors and local law enforcement officials have not offered additional comment beyond the initial charging announcement.
