Nine suspected members of a violent Venezuelan prison gang Aragua train (TdA) following a violent December home invasion, kidnapping and robbery in Aurora, Colorado.
The apartment complex has received widespread national media attention due to allegations that it was seized by a Venezuelan gang earlier this year.
The Aurora, Colorado, Police Department announced the nine arrests Monday in an armed home invasion and kidnapping that left two victims seriously injured.
The nine suspects were identified as:
- Andres Alexander Lindo Padilla, 26
- Javier Alexander Alvarado Parada, 24
- Jesus Alberto Alejos Escalona, 22
- Junior Reyes Barrios, 28
- Barbara Civil Medina Arcaya, 29
- Donarques Teresa Suarez Quesada, 31 years old
- Luis Javier Soto Sucre, 26
- Nifred Jose Serpa Acosta, 20
- Gingrenzo Elias Loreto Petit, 26
Aurora, Colorado police say home invasion 'without question' Tren de Aragua gang activity
Alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang have taken over an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, and are charging rent for “protection,” it was previously reported. (Edward Romero)
The suspects face various charges, including second-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, and aggravated robbery. Second-degree burglaryThe ministry said blackmail and threats.
Serpa Acosta was previously wanted on an active felony warrant for first-degree robbery and menacing with a deadly weapon, police said. The warrant for his arrest stems from Aug. 18, 2024, when a security camera captured Serpa Acosta and five other armed men knocking on apartment doors at The Edge at Lowry about 10 minutes before the fatal shooting.
In addition to the above charges, the department said it has obtained arrest warrants for three additional suspects who are not yet in custody.
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The charges against the suspected gang members come after a brutal saga on December 17, 2024 at approximately 2:30 a.m.
Gang members allegedly broke into the couple's apartment at The Edge at Lowry Apartments in Denver suburbs They tied up the victims, beat them, stabbed them, kidnapped them and left them in the hospital. The perpetrators also allegedly stole jewelry from the victims.
A general view of apartment buildings at 12th and Dallas streets in Aurora, Colorado on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The residences were the scene of a home invasion reported overnight. (Fox News Digital)
A total of 19 suspects were initially arrested in connection with the kidnapping, which authorities previously described as “twisted.”
The police said that three people were later released after investigators interrogated them, and it was found that they were not involved in the crime.
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The remaining 16 suspects were detained US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ice).
The seven additional suspects who have not yet been charged were in ICE custody and remain under investigation, police said.
Aurora Police Department Chief Todd Chamberlain speaks to the media during a news conference in Aurora, Colorado on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Chief Chamberlain told reporters that the overnight home invasion that led to the arrest of 14 people was believed to be a “gang incident.” (Derek Schock for Fox News Digital)
“I will say without a doubt, in my opinion, that is it TDA activity. “Some of these individuals have been identified as TdA gang members,” Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said at the beginning of the investigation. ) to establish their relationship with gangs.”
Chamberlain said authorities have little way to confirm that a suspect is a member of the TdA because gang members do not typically announce their affiliation.
“It's a real challenge trying to say, 'Hey, 100 percent, you're a gang member,'” he added. “But when you look at the circumstances of this, when you look at the events of this, when you look at the individuals involved in this, when you look at the truth and the violence involved in this, again, it's not a big deal,” he said. “A step for me to say they are members of TdA gang.
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According to Chamberlain, this was not an isolated incident. He said TdA members and their affiliates regularly abused the couple and blackmailed them for $500 every two weeks. It is believed that the couple were not the only victims who were subjected to intimidation and blackmail by gang members.
Aurora police prepare to search through supplies given to them by a relief worker Aurora, Colorado on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The residences were the scene of a home invasion reported overnight. (Fox News Digital) (Fox News Digital)
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The investigation into the kidnapping that occurred on December 17, 2024 is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
