A judge has issued an emergency order for the closure of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, following the discovery of armed members of a Venezuelan gang entering a unit last summer. The decision to begin the closure process was made in response to the escalating crime situation at the complex, which the city described as having reached a 'breaking point.'
The Aurora police chief, Todd Chamberlain, highlighted the severity of the situation, citing a recent incident where two residents were kidnapped and beaten at the complex. Chamberlain emphasized that the Edge at Lowry Apartments had become a hub for violent crimes and property offenses carried out by a criminal element that had instilled fear among residents.
As a result of the order, all but one of the complex's six buildings will be closed. The property owner, Stan Garnett, refrained from commenting on the closure order. The city has assured that it is collaborating with the county and other entities to provide relocation assistance to the 60 affected apartments' residents.
The property owner had previously cited the presence of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, as a hindrance to providing maintenance services. However, the city argued that the owner's neglect in managing the property had allowed criminal activities to thrive.
Authorities have made progress in apprehending individuals linked to the gang, with four of the six men seen in the August video being arrested. Two suspects were captured in New York City under a federal arrest warrant in December. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that the detainees were associated with Tren de Aragua.
Further investigations revealed that a rifle shown in the video was used in a fatal shooting outside the complex shortly after the footage was recorded. The weapon was discovered disassembled in an oven within one of the apartments, as per court documents.
While the city did not seek the closure of a sixth building at the complex, which is under different ownership, it is being managed by a court-appointed official to facilitate necessary improvements. The move aims to address the security concerns and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
