Aurora police react to alleged Venezuelan gang presence at apartments: 'Have not taken over'

Interim Police Chief Heather Morris of the Aurora Police Department in Colorado has addressed concerns about an alleged takeover by a gang at an apartment complex. Chief Morris clarified that while there may be gang members residing in the community, they have not taken over the complex. The statement comes after a video surfaced showing heavily armed individuals, believed to be members of a Venezuelan migrant gang, attempting to break into an apartment at The Edge at Lowry complex.

In her update, Chief Morris emphasized that gang members have not seized control of the apartment complex, reassuring residents that their safety is a priority. While the presence of gang members is concerning, the situation at the complex is being closely monitored by the police department.

It is believed that the individuals in the video are associated with a transnational gang known as Tren de Aragua (TdA), which is based in Venezuela. With approximately 5,000 members, TdA is known for their motto “real until death.” The Aurora Police Department is aware of the gang’s presence in the area and has been collecting evidence to establish their connection to crimes.

Although reports of TdA’s influence in Aurora are isolated, the gang has been linked to over 100 crimes across the nation. The police department is urging members of the community, including migrants, to report any crimes committed against them to local law enforcement agencies.

As a response to the situation, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has initiated the process of clearing the apartment buildings that have been affected by the presence of the TdA gang. The goal is to regain control of the properties by declaring them a “Criminal Nuisance” through an emergency court order. This action aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

If you have any information regarding the alleged gang activity or a crime, you can report it anonymously to the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

The Aurora Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. As this situation unfolds, they will continue working diligently to address the concerns of residents and maintain a secure environment.

Please note that the Aurora Police Department has not responded to a request for comment from Fox News Digital at the time of this report.