2 FBI agents shot in Park Forest, suspect found dead, ID'd
PARK FOREST, Ill. (WLS) -- Two FBI agents were shot and wounded Tuesday morning while executing an arrest warrant at a home in south suburban Park Forest, where a man at the home died.
The agents sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The man they were looking for was found dead inside the house, located on Rich Court. The victim was Melvin Toran, 50, according to family and friends.
At 5:30 a.m., federal agents and local police surrounded the home on Rich Court to make an arrest. Authorities did not say how the suspect died.
The arrest warrant was part of a larger FBI operation targeting a violent drug operation, allegedly run by the Black P-Stone Nation street gang. Online court records show Toran had a criminal record, which included a murder conviction as well as weapon and drug offenses.
Toran was also had children, including a months-old child. Residents said they would often see him walking his dog around the neighborhood.
Neighbors who live on the typically tranquil street said they heard a loud boom. When they looked outside, they saw a SWAT tank, FBI vehicles and Park Forest police officers on the street.
"It was like boom, boom, very loud. I was like they must be like high powered stuff he's got in there," said neighbor Scott Smith.
Moments later, a resident captured the sound of gunfire with their cellphone.
"He was surrounded by police and the next thing I know I saw guys in fatigues," said Gino Best.
Early Tuesday, Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 issued an alert on its website that urged students who walk or take the bus to school to stay home because of an "unsafe situation in the community." At 9 a.m., the district notified parents that school was back in session and that busing would resume around 9:15 a.m.
