Nine individuals suspected of being members of the violent Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang are facing charges related to a brutal home invasion, kidnapping, and robbery in Aurora, Colorado, last December. The incident, which occurred at an apartment complex that had previously garnered national attention due to alleged TdA gang activity, left two victims with serious injuries.

The Aurora Police Department announced the arrests on Monday, identifying the nine suspects. Charges include second-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, aggravated robbery, second-degree burglary, extortion, and menacing.

Previous reports indicate alleged TdA members had taken control of the apartment building, demanding rent in exchange for "protection". (Edward Romero)

One suspect, Niefred Jose Serpa-Acosta, was already wanted for first-degree burglary and menacing with a deadly weapon related to an incident in August 2024 involving armed men and a fatal shooting at the same apartment complex.

Authorities have stated that arrest warrants have been issued for three additional suspects who remain at large. The December 17, 2024 incident involved the suspects allegedly forcing entry into the victims’ apartment, binding, beating, and stabbing them before kidnapping them and stealing their jewelry. Nineteen suspects were initially arrested, but three were later released after being cleared of involvement.

The remaining sixteen suspects, including the nine now charged, were held by ICE. Seven additional suspects remain under investigation and in ICE custody. Police Chief Todd Chamberlain strongly believes the incident is connected to TdA gang activity, citing the level of violence and the individuals involved. He also revealed the victims had been subjected to ongoing extortion by the gang members.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.