Marine Reservist Back From Iraq Charged in Teen Shootings

AURORA, Ill. – A Marine reservist back from a tour in Iraq was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of three teens on the Fourth of July.

Michael Smith, 22, was arrested after leading officers on a 15-minute car chase Tuesday night, police said. He was carrying his military identification card at the time.

He and Cevin Stanford, 24, were charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery for opening fire on three teens on an Aurora street late Tuesday.

A 17-year-old boy remained hospitalized Wednesday with injuries to his face and legs, while an 18-year-old was hit in the leg. A 16-year-old boy declined treatment for a graze wound.

Police said officials have not ruled out gang motivation but said the three victims have no apparent gang ties. They declined to say whether Smith is affiliated with a gang, but Chief William Powell said the department has "had dealings with him in the past."

Smith and Stanford are being held on $2 million bond each.

Graffiti referencing Chicago-area gangs is increasingly being found in Iraq, according to recent reports in the Chicago Sun-Times. The spray-painted gang art has shown up on everything from armored vehicles to concrete barriers and bathroom stalls, and some fear it may indicate an increase in gang activity in the military.