4 suspects arrested, accused of organized crime across Denver area

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Three 18-year-olds and a 17-year-old were arrested in connection to an organized crime enterprise following an extensive investigation, according to Aurora police.

On Friday, the Aurora Police Department’s Crime Gun Intelligence Unit announced the arrests of:

• Lennon Melgares, 18, of Edgewater
• Xavier Chavez, 18, of Aurora
• Jayden Velarde, 18, of Morrison
• A 17-year-old from Lakewood

The 17-year-old will not be identified because he is a minor.

Police said Chavez was arrested on Sept. 5 by the Aurora SWAT Team, and Melgares, Velarde and the Lakewood teenager were arrested on Sept. 6 in Jefferson County.

The four suspects face charges filed under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. Some of those charges include:

• Attempted first-degree murder
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder
• Aggravated intimidation of a victim or witness
• Felony menacing

According to Aurora police, the charges stem from April when investigators were reviewing unsolved shooting cases. Investigators connected multiple shootings in Aurora to other unsolved cases in Wheat Ridge and Lakewood.

Through the investigation, detectives said the four suspects were allegedly involved in activities that met Colorado’s definition of an organized criminal enterprise following weapon offenses through the Denver metro area.

Aurora police confirmed the arrests are unrelated to the Tren de Aragua gang.

The investigation involved multiple law enforcement officers in multiple jurisdictions.

Aurora police said the investigations are ongoing. Anyone who has information on the suspects or the crimes is asked to contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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