An undocumented Nicaraguan resident in Pittsburgh could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years after a violent confrontation with federal agents. The incident allegedly involved the suspect ramming a law enforcement vehicle, attempting to seize an officer’s firearm, and biting an agent, all following a thwarted attempt to purchase a firearm.
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has officially indicted 33-year-old Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez on charges of assaulting a federal officer.
The case originated when the Department of Homeland Security became aware of Davila-Perez’s attempt to acquire a firearm from a local dealer. During this transaction, he reportedly misrepresented himself as a U.S. citizen.
The gun sale was halted after it was revealed that Davila-Perez is a Nicaraguan national without legal status in the United States. Federal law prohibits individuals without legal residency from owning or purchasing firearms.
After a failed attempt to illegally purchase a gun, a Nicaraguan man in Pittsburgh is accused of biting an ICE agent and crashing into a police vehicle, potentially facing a 20-year sentence. (Image: Christopher Dilts/Getty Images)
On December 17, 2025, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sought to detain Davila-Perez due to immigration violations. However, when they signaled for him to pull over using emergency lights, Davila-Perez allegedly resisted and engaged in a physical altercation with 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, according 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.
