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Aurora gang member gets 6 years in prison

An Aurora gang member agreed to a six-year sentence in prison for pointing a gun at police officers during an altercation that led to police firing shots in self-defense, prosecutors said.

Rene Muro, 23, plead guilty April 15 to unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, the Kane County State's Attorney's office said in a news release.

Prosecutors say Muro was with another gang member at 7:20 p.m., July 11 when two undercover police officers saw them acting suspiciously and approached them near Parker Avenue and Pearl Street in Aurora.

As the police neared Muro and Erik J. Esparza, prosecutors say Esparza pointed a .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun at the officers, while Muro took aim. Police did not see Muro point a gun but found his .357 Magnum revolver nearby. Police fired two shots but no one was hit. Muro and Esparza fled on foot. Muro was found nearby, while Esparza was found about 90 minutes later.

Esparza has since plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and aggravated assault. He was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Muro will be credited for 279 days for time served in Kane County jail.

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