A gang of thieves have been identified after shocking footage showed them violently ransacking a Denver jewellery store in a matter of minutes as terrified staff cowered in fear.
Days after the robbery, authorities blamed the infamous Tren de Aragua gang, Venezuela’s largest criminal organization.
Seven men are still being sought for the robbery, however one suspect, Jean Torres Roman, 21, was arrested last week by Homeland Security.
The federal agency said it captured Roman in New Mexico before handing him over to the Denver County Sheriff’s Department. He was charged with a number of crimes, including attempted aggravated robbery and attempted murder.
Shocking footage captured the moment a gang of thieves emptied a Denver jewellery store in minutes as terrified staff cowered in fear.
Colorado police searched for eight men suspected of looting the store before one of them was captured by Homeland Security, who said he was associated with the Tren de Aragua gang.
Experts have warned that the Tren de Aragua gang, believed to have more than 5,000 members across the country, has gained ground in the United States by taking advantage of the migration crisis.
The gang is known for its ruthless killings and causing chaos in South America, but recently established its new headquarters in Texas as its members move across the border.
Criminals associated with the Tren de Aragua have apparently spread across the country, and the El Paso division of Homeland Security Investigations tweeted this week about Román’s arrest.
The agency shared an image of the suspect wearing a red prison jumpsuit and chains, highlighting his alleged gang affiliation and role in the June 24 jewelry robbery.
Homeland Security said Roman is a Venezuelan citizen and turned him over to Denver police to face charges for the jewelry theft.
The Department of Homeland Security released this image of Jean Torres Roman, 21, an alleged gang member who was charged in connection with the shocking jewelry robbery in Denver.
The footage showed two female employees running towards the back of the store before several of the robbers overpowered them and pointed guns at them.
One of the men was seen pistol-whipping one of the women, while his companions ransacked the store and stole handfuls of jewelry and watches.
He was held on $1 million bail and faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted aggravated robbery and menacing, according to reports. KDVR.
According to the outlet, the net closed in on Ramos after a raid on a motel in El Paso led to the arrest of several people inside, who told officials the suspect was among them until recently.
The arrests at the motel reportedly came after a collaboration between Homeland Security and Denver police, though it is unclear how Ramos was later tracked to New Mexico.
In footage of the robbery, several suspects are seen wearing masks or sunglasses to conceal their identities, and some were seen posing as customers at the start of the robbery.
Several other suspects gathered outside, before running inside the store and pulling out guns and revolvers.
The men jumped over counters and smashed jewelry containers, while others ran to the back of the store to chase two women who tried to flee.
A young woman with a baby could be seen clutching her infant and fortunately managing to get to safety, however, the two women who ran into a back office were quickly overpowered by the criminals.
Store owner Lidia Tena said she feared for her life because the robbers pointed a gun at her and warned her they would shoot her.
The two women were seen trying to close the door between themselves and the robbers, but the men overpowered them and pointed guns at them.
At one point, one of the men pistol-whipped one of the women in the head, and store owner Lidia Tena told KDVR they were warned they would be shot if they tried to run away or talk.
At the time of writing, seven of the suspects remain at large and the Denver Police Department is requesting any information leading to their arrest.
