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A Nicaraguan man residing unlawfully in Pittsburgh could be staring down a potential 20-year prison sentence following a violent confrontation with federal agents. The alleged assault unfolded after a failed attempt to purchase a firearm, during which the man reportedly rammed a law enforcement vehicle, attempted to seize an officer’s weapon, and bit an agent.
On Wednesday, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh charged 33-year-old Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez with assaulting a federal officer. The incident has drawn significant attention due to its serious nature and the circumstances leading up to it.
The ordeal began when the Department of Homeland Security was alerted to Davila-Perez’s attempt to buy a firearm from a local dealer. During this transaction, he allegedly misrepresented himself as a U.S. citizen, a claim that was quickly disproven. The dealer discovered that Davila-Perez is a Nicaraguan national without legal status in the United States.
Federal law strictly prohibits individuals in the country illegally from owning or buying firearms, leading to the immediate halt of the sale. The ensuing altercation with federal officers has turned a failed gun purchase into a serious criminal case.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal immigration and firearm laws, drawing attention to the complexities federal agents face in enforcing these regulations. The outcome of this case will likely be closely watched, given its potential implications on immigration policy and law enforcement practices.
On Dec. 17, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted to pull Davila-Perez over to take him into custody for immigration violations. When agents activated their emergency lights, Davila-Perez didn’t pull over – he fought back, according to authorities.
According to the indictment, Davila-Perez slammed his car into reverse, hitting an occupied law enforcement vehicle before jumping out to run.
Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez is facing up to 20 years in prison after allegedly launching a violent attack on federal agents, following a failed attempt to buy a gun. (Getty Images)
During the ensuing struggle, he allegedly elbowed one officer in the face, tried to pull an agent’s service weapon from its holster, bit an officer’s arm and struck an agent in the forehead with a pair of handcuffs.
The whole time, officers shouted commands in both English and Spanish for Davila-Perez to stop and show his hands. However, authorities say he ignored those orders until he was eventually subdued.
Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez tried to buy a gun in Pittsburgh, but the dealer found out he was in the U.S. illegally, acording to authorities. (Getty Images)
The struggle left several agents with bite wounds, scrapes and bruises that required medical treatment.
If convicted, Davila-Perez faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both.
He remains in custody pending the resolution of the case.