Convicted Felon Who Participated in Exchange of Gunfire Outside Chicago Gas Station Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison

CHICAGO - A convicted felon who participated in an exchange of gunfire outside a Chicago gas station has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison.

On the afternoon of May 27, 2022, MALIK WILLIAMS was standing outside of a gas station on the South Side of Chicago when he fired two shots toward a minivan that was driving nearby. Individuals in the minivan returned fire, and a bystander who was filling up gas in his work van was shot in the leg. The area was busy with traffic at the time of the shooting, and several individuals were present at the gas station, including a woman who was mere feet from Williams when he fired at the minivan.

Williams, 29, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to a federal charge of illegal possession of ammunition. Williams had previously been convicted of a felony offense. On July 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger sentenced Williams to nine years in federal prison.

The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department assisted in the investigation.

"Defendant fired twice at the occupied minivan," Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Schied argued in the government's sentencing memorandum. "Had his aim been true, he would have killed one or more people on purpose. Everyone at that intersection that day is fortunate to be alive, including defendant."