DENVER (KDVR) — Sources tell FOX31’s partner station in El Paso, Texas, that a federal law enforcement operation there on Thursday night is linked to a violent Denver jewelry store heist earlier this week.
The family-owned Joyeria El Ruby was targeted on Monday afternoon in an armed robbery captured on video. Some eight people wiped out the store and violently attacked the family members inside, threatening to kill them and even ripping their personal jewelry.
Family members told FOX31 that Joyeria El Ruby was cleaned out in three minutes. Surveillance cameras captured clear images of the suspects, which may have helped law enforcement track them down.
Video submitted to KTSM on Thursday showed a heavy law enforcement presence at a Motel 6 in El Paso. A helicopter hovered above as several armed law enforcement officers in SWAT gear entered a room with shattered windows and walked at least one person out in handcuffs.
Homeland Security Investigations confirmed to KTSM that it was conducting a law enforcement operation with its Denver office and the Denver Police Department. Here’s the full statement from a Homeland Security spokesperson:
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso and HSI Denver along with our partners in the Denver Police Department have initiated an authorized law enforcement activity this evening in El Paso. As this is part of an ongoing investigation any further questions would need to be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.”
Leticia Zamarripa, spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations
Sources told KTSM that the operation is connected to the jewelry store robbery suspects, but no further information was immediately available.
FOX31 is continuing to follow this development. Check back for updates.
Lanie Lee Cook
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