What federal investigators say began as a planned gun sale in Worcester ended with an alleged armed robbery, a foot chase and the arrest of an 18-year-old now facing federal charges.
Joshua Guzman, 18, of Worcester, is accused of assaulting a federal confidential informant during a firearm transaction arranged through WhatsApp messages earlier this year, according to federal prosecutors.
Guzman appeared in federal court in Worcester and remains detained, authorities said.
According to charging documents, Guzman and another person allegedly spent days coordinating the sale of a firearm to the informant before arranging to meet in Worcester on Feb. 25.
Prosecutors allege the two men got into the informant’s vehicle to complete the deal, but moments after money changed hands, the encounter turned violent.
Federal authorities allege Guzman pulled a handgun from his waistband, racked the slide and pointed it at the informant while demanding money and property. Prosecutors say he then struck the informant in the head with the gun and grabbed the firearm that had just been purchased before fleeing the vehicle with the second suspect.
Investigators monitoring the transaction nearby quickly moved in after the informant alerted agents, according to prosecutors. Guzman was allegedly seen fleeing the area before being caught after a short chase.
Authorities said a firearm fell from Guzman’s clothing during the pursuit and was recovered. The second suspect was arrested nearby after police established a perimeter in the area.
Investigators also recovered clothing, a cellphone and approximately $1,600 in cash that prosecutors said was consistent with the proceeds of the robbery.
Guzman is charged with assaulting a person assisting federal officers with a dangerous weapon, a charge that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
