Aurora Police Confirm Involvement of Violent Venezuelan Gang in Armed Home Invasion and Kidnapping
Aurora Police have confirmed that several members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) were involved in an “incredibly violent” armed home invasion and kidnapping that left two victims seriously injured in an apartment complex this week. The gang members allegedly forced their way into a couple’s apartment, bound, beat, stabbed, and kidnapped the victims, leaving them hospitalized. The perpetrators also stole jewelry from the victims.
Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain identified the suspects as TdA gang members, stating that it was not a “big step” for him to make this determination. Chamberlain explained that authorities have little way of confirming a suspect’s gang affiliation since gang members do not typically broadcast their affiliation.
The incident was not an isolated event, according to Chamberlain, who stated that the TdA members and their affiliates have regularly mistreated the couple and were extorting them for $500 every two weeks. The police chief believes the couple were not the only victims being intimidated and extorted by the gang members.
A total of 19 suspects were detained for questioning, with three being released and eight being taken into ICE custody. Eight individuals are still under investigation. The police chief reiterated that authorities did not conduct a “mass sweep” for the suspects, but instead went door to door to thoroughly investigate all parties involved.
Chamberlain emphasized that Aurora Police would respond to calls and help any victim in trouble “regardless of immigration status.”