Aurora Police Interim Chief Heather Morris assures residents that gang members have not seized control of The Edge at Lowry apartment complex, despite disturbing doorbell camera footage of armed individuals.
Aurora Police Interim Chief Heather Morris has addressed concerns raised by alarming doorbell camera footage depicting heavily armed individuals attempting to break into an apartment in The Edge at Lowry complex, allegedly members of the Venezuelan migrant gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).
In a video posted to the department's official X account, Chief Morris stated that "gang members have not taken over" the apartment complex.
Aurora Police Update: Gang Members Have Not Taken Over Apartment Complex
"I'm not saying that there's not gang members that don't live in this community," she clarified. "But what we're learning out here is that gang members have not taken over this complex."
The Aurora Police Department has been investigating the gang's presence in the area and has collected evidence linking them to local crimes.
Aurora Police Update: Gang Members Have Not Taken Over Apartment Complex
"We are aware that components of TdA are operating in Aurora," the department said in a statement. "APD has been increasingly collecting evidence to show the gang is connected to crimes in the area."
However, the department emphasized that it would be premature to make any conclusive statements about specific incidents or provide details about law enforcement strategy.
Aurora Police Update: Gang Members Have Not Taken Over Apartment Complex
"It would be improper at this time for the city and APD to make any conclusory statements about specific incidents or provide details about law enforcement strategy and operations," the statement read.
Initial investigations suggest that reports of TdA influence in Aurora are isolated, according to the police department.
Aurora Police Update: Gang Members Have Not Taken Over Apartment Complex
Despite this reassurance, Mayor Mike Coffman announced on Friday that the city is initiating the process to clear the apartment buildings where TdA has established a presence.
"The Aurora City Attorney's Office is preparing court documents to request an emergency court order to clear the apartment buildings where Venezuelan gang activity has been occurring by declaring the properties a ‘Criminal Nuisance,'" Coffman said in a Facebook statement.
This order would allow the city to regain control of the properties and shut down the buildings to prevent further gang activity.
"I strongly believe that the best course of action is to shut these building[s] down and make sure that this never happens again," Coffman stated.
The Aurora Police Department confirmed that TdA leader "Cookie Monster" is in custody as part of a July 28 shooting investigation.
The department urges community members, including migrants, to report crimes committed against them and not remain silent victims.
Crime victims can report crimes anonymously by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
