No Evidence of Gang Takeover Found in Aurora Apartment Building, Says Interim Police Chief

AURORA, Colo. - Recent reports of a Venezuelan gang taking control of an apartment building in Aurora have been met with skepticism, as the city's police department found no evidence to support these claims. The controversy arose after a video of armed individuals inside The Edge at the Lowry apartment complex went viral.

Interim Aurora Police Chief Heather Morris spoke out in a police-provided interview, stating that while there might be gang members residing in the community, there is no indication that they have taken over the complex. Chief Morris highlighted the importance of engaging with residents and gathering accurate information to gain a clearer picture of the situation.

However, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has expressed concerns regarding alleged gang activity in certain apartment buildings. In an effort to address these concerns, the city is seeking an emergency court order to declare these properties a criminal nuisance and shut them down. According to Mayor Coffman, the apartments in question are believed to be under the same ownership that had previously faced code violations and criminal activity related to the migrant crisis.

Despite the absence of concrete evidence supporting the gang takeover claims, Denver metro police agencies, including the Aurora Police Department, have confirmed the presence of the Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua (TdA) in the area. The City of Aurora stressed that they are taking this threat seriously and have been actively responding, making arrests, and addressing the underlying issues associated with the properties.

In a statement, the city acknowledged the small TdA presence in Aurora and reiterated their commitment to pursuing all available actions under city code and criminal statute to address the problems that have been allowed to persist due to the negligence of absentee, out-of-state owners of these properties.

As authorities continue to investigate the situation and work towards resolving any criminal activity, it is essential for accurate information to be shared with the public. The Aurora Police Department and city officials are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, while also dispelling unfounded claims that may cause unnecessary fear or panic.

The presence of criminal gangs is a serious concern, and while the existence of Tren de Aragua in the Aurora area cannot be dismissed, it is important to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports. The partnership between law enforcement, community members, and local officials remains crucial in addressing these challenges and maintaining the overall security of the city.