Indiana man faces gun charge stemming from federal investigation after killing of Chicago cop Aréanah Preston
CHICAGO - An Indiana man is facing a gun charge as a result of a federal investigation that played out after this month’s killing of Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston.
Corey Gray, 21, is being held in federal custody pending a detention hearing set for Monday. Prosecutors do not allege that the gun at issue was used to kill Preston.
Rather, they allege that the Glock 17 was recovered May 7 from an individual at the time of his arrest "in connection with the homicide of a police officer." That person was not named in the criminal complaint filed against Gray.
The feds say someone purchased the gun from a licensed dealer in Valparaiso on April 5, 2021. That person told authorities this month that they gave it to Gray, who is a relative.
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Gray was interviewed by authorities on May 11. He said that, in late 2021, he gave the gun to a man he knew as "Lil’ Pooh" for $1,200. That person died April 9. The gun was then recovered May 7 at the time arrests were made in connection with Preston’s death.
Preston was on her way home from work May 6 when four teenagers passed her in a sedan, circled back and approached as she stood in front of her house in the 8100 block of South Blackstone Avenue, according to prosecutors.
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The teens had allegedly robbed five people and had stolen a car before they encountered Preston.
Video from a private surveillance camera shows three teens leaving a car and running toward Preston, prosecutors said. Muzzle flashes can be seen from where the teens were standing and from where Preston was.
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Joseph Brooks, 18, allegedly told detectives he shot Preston when he saw her reaching for her gun.
Preston was hit at least twice and also grazed by a bullet. The teenagers grabbed her gun and fled, leaving her lying on the ground, still in uniform, according to prosecutors.
Charged with her first-degree murder are Brooks; Jakwon Buchanan, 18; Trevell Breeland, 19; and Jaylen Frazier, 16. They have all been ordered held without bond.