DENVER — A disturbing incident at an apartment complex in a Denver suburb involved a group of 13 to 15 armed individuals who assaulted and threatened a couple, both of whom are Venezuelan immigrants. The police chief of Aurora, Todd Chamberlain, commented on the gang-related nature of the attack during a briefing on Tuesday, revealing that the victims were both tied up and pistol-whipped during the harrowing episode.
The apartment complex is known for its high crime rates and had previously garnered attention when a viral video surfaced, showing armed men knocking on an apartment door. This footage led to unsubstantiated claims from political figures suggesting the premises had been overtaken by a Venezuelan gang. However, city officials have denied these assertions, stating that issues in specific locations do not reflect the overall safety of Aurora.
During the incident, which unfolded over approximately five hours, the male victim suffered stab wounds but is expected to recover. Chief Chamberlain mentioned that it is highly probable that the assailants have connections to the Tren de Aragua gang, which originated in a notorious Venezuelan prison and has seen an expansion as the economic situation in Venezuela drives many to flee.
Chamberlain expressed confidence that the invasion was gang-related, noting that their response to crime in the area needs immediate improvement. He acknowledged that although the complex is one of Aurora’s crime hotspots, the city of around 400,000 residents is not overrun by gangs.
While their apartment was being burglarized, the couple was forced into another unit within the complex but managed to escape early Tuesday morning. They contacted law enforcement after heading to a friend’s house, with the police chief commending their bravery in doing so. Currently, 14 people have been detained in connection with the case, but no official charges have been made as of yet. Both victims were taken to hospitals following the incident, though updates on their health were not available immediately.
To aid in the investigation, police have reached out to federal entities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to help identify those who have been detained. In response to ongoing crime issues at the complex, city officials have initiated legal proceedings to have several buildings shut down, citing the property owner’s neglect as a contributing factor to the situation. The owner, New York-based CBZ Management, has indicated that they were unable to properly maintain the premises due to gang activity and has not commented further on the matter.
The city’s leadership is also pointing fingers at federal policies for inadequately addressing the influx of migrants, which has aggravated the situation in places like Aurora. Chief Chamberlain mentioned the need for reform in response to the challenges posed by the current immigration system, emphasizing that the city—and many others across the nation—are striving to recover from a poorly managed situation that has left many residents vulnerable to crime.
In a correction, it was clarified that the victims were released early Tuesday morning, contrary to earlier reports of them being freed Wednesday.