Chamberlain stated that it was not a “significant leap” for him to identify them as members of the infamous Venezuelan gang. “But when you consider the circumstances, the events, the individuals, the veracity, and the violence involved, it is not a major stretch for me to assert that they are TdA gang members,” he explained.
The gang members reportedly forcibly entered an apartment belonging to a couple at the Edge at Lowry Apartments in the Denver suburbs. They proceeded to bind, assault, stab, and abduct the victims, resulting in their hospitalization. Additionally, the perpetrators allegedly stole jewelry from the victims.
While the department has yet to confirm if all 19 suspects detained in the incident are TdA members, Chamberlain affirmed that several individuals are undoubtedly affiliated with the gang, which has been causing fear among Aurora residents in recent times.
Chamberlain disclosed that one of the detained TdA members was also implicated in a violent apartment takeover in Aurora earlier in the year. According to him, this incident is not an isolated one. The TdA members and their associates have reportedly been subjecting the couple to mistreatment, extorting $500 from them every two weeks. Chamberlain suspects that the couple is not the sole victims facing intimidation and extortion from the gang members.
The Aurora Police Department is working closely with ICE, DHS, and Homeland Security Investigations to establish the identities and potential gang connections of those involved in the situation.
In Aurora, Colorado, police prepared to conduct searches on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Nineteen suspects were apprehended for questioning, with three individuals subsequently released and eight others placed in ICE custody. Currently, eight suspects remain under investigation.
Chamberlain detailed the pending charges against the suspects, which include second-degree kidnapping, aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, extortion, and burglary. The names of the 16 arrested individuals have not been disclosed by the authorities.
Emphasizing that there was no “mass sweep” for suspects, the police chief clarified that investigators meticulously scrutinized all parties involved by going door-to-door instead.
During a press briefing, Chamberlain underscored that Aurora Police would respond to distress calls and aid any victim in need, regardless of their immigration status.
