Aurora City Council Member Ryan F. Lewis reacted to the recent arrest of several Venezuelan gang members allegedly linked to the notorious “La Chimba” crime syndicate, which was accused of taking over a Colorado apartment complex in 2020.
In a statement, Lewis expressed relief that the arrests were made, saying, “I am relieved that justice is finally being served in this case. The takeover of the apartment complex was a traumatic experience for many residents, and I am glad that those responsible have been held accountable.”
Lewis, a former police officer himself, urged caution in speculating about the motives and potential connections of the arrested individuals, saying, “It’s important to remember that the only way to ensure we protect our community is to rely on the evidence gathered and presented in court.”
Acknowledging the fear and uncertainty that the incident sparked, Lewis emphasized the importance of supporting local law enforcement and community resources in preventing such incidents in the future. He urged residents to prioritize vigilance and report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities.
The arrests come after a lengthy investigation into the alleged takeover, which occurred at the Aurora’s Masters Inn complex, where gang members allegedly occupied several units and threatened residents. The incident drew widespread attention, with some media outlets labeling it an “Aurora takeover” and “a microcosm of Venezuela’s gang wars.”