The Aurora Police Department announced the arrest of 16 alleged gang members. The arrests come after the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAVEN), a law enforcement group focused on reducing violence, wrapped up a major investigation on Tuesday, July 8. Police said the suspects belong to two criminal street gangs that operate in the metro Denver area.
“RAVEN and its local, state and federal partners are committed to reducing violent gun crime in the Denver metro area,” Aurora Police Department Lt. D.J. Tisdale, who serves as commander of the RAVEN Task Force, said in a statement.
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Ballistic technology led to key evidence
The RAVEN Task Force launched the investigation in June 2024 after receiving evidence from the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), a specialized technology developed by the ATF. The network helps identify guns used in crimes by analyzing bullets and shell casings.
According to police, the information revealed that several suspects took part in multiple gang-related shootings across the Denver metro area. Many of these suspects were already known to law enforcement, with some being among the most active and dangerous gun offenders in the region at that time.
Two major raids yield 16 arrests
RAVEN carried out two major raids: one on June 18 and another on July 8, arresting 16 people allegedly linked to gangs. More than half of the suspects were underage when they committed the crimes, according to investigators.
Authorities have formally charged all 16 suspects in Denver District Court. The adult defendants include Raijon Bass, Quincy Johnson, Troydell Dixon, Denalii Marshall, Cai-Reis Curby, Blanca Delatorre and Ramekia Amerson-Bey.
“This case should serve as an example that our dedicated investigators will not stop pursuing those who use firearms to victimize our community until they are arrested and held accountable for their actions,” Tisdale said.
Charges filed against all 16 suspects
Investigators say all 16 suspects face various charges, including:
1. Violations of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act
2. Attempted first-degree murder
3. Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder
4. First- and second-degree assault
5. Attempted first-degree assault
6. Menacing
7. Aggravated robbery
8. Criminal mischief
9. Possession of a dangerous weapon
10. Possession of a handgun by a juvenile
11. Possession of a high-capacity magazine
12. Illegal discharge of a firearm
13. Unlawfully providing or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun and secure firearm storage required
