DENVER ( KDVR ) — The Denver Police Department said in a statement Wednesday that it was “not aware” of any Denver apartment buildings being taken over by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
Despite this, the department stated that it takes the presence of the gang in the city seriously and that the safety of residents and officers is its “top priority.”
“There are reasons to believe that members of this gang are tied to crimes in the area,” the statement said. “However, DPD is not aware of any apartment buildings being ‘taken over’ by this gang in Denver.”
The Aurora Police Department also responded to the situation and said they are “aware that components” of the gang are operating in the city, and are gathering evidence to connect it to crimes.
APD did say, however, that it believes reports of influence in Aurora are “isolated.”
Officials respond to concerns
Law enforcement linked the gang to a violent jewelry store heist that happened in Denver on June 24. Four Venezuelan nationals have been indicted in connection to the crime.