An 18-year-old Aurora man and his 15-year-old accomplice, also from Aurora, have been charged with multiple weapons violations resulting from an investigation by the Aurora Police Department Special Operations Group (SOG).
On Thursday, Aurora Police developed information regarding individuals allegedly displaying firearms in Aurora neighborhoods. As the case progressed, investigators identified the suspects as being involved and later observed them during surveillance operations on a residence.
At approximately 8:32pm Friday, SOG investigators located the suspects near the intersection of North East Avenue and Fulton Street, at which point both fled on foot after investigators identified themselves as police.
The juvenile was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit, and investigators recovered a loaded silver-and-black Glock 43X 9mm handgun from inside the juvenile’s waistband area. The handgun contained a loaded 10-round magazine.
The 18-year-old continued fleeing through nearby yards before investigators apprehended him and took him into custody. During the pursuit, investigators observed him discard two firearms near a fence line. Officers recovered a Black Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun loaded with 13 rounds and a Black Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device and loaded with a 29-round extended magazine containing three live rounds (reported stolen outside Aurora).
Neither of the suspect possessed a valid FOID card or concealed carry license.
The 18-year-old suspect has been charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Machine Gun (a Class X Felony); Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – FOID Not Eligible (a Class 3 Felony); and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (a Class 4 Felony) – 5 counts.
The juvenile suspect has been charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – FOID Not Eligible (a Class 3 Felony) and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (a Class 4 Felony) – 3 counts.
“The proactive work by our Special Operations Group investigators directly led to the recovery of multiple illegal firearms from our streets, including a stolen handgun outfitted with a machine gun conversion device capable of significantly increasing its rate of fire,” said Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas. “This case highlights the dangers associated with illegal firearms possession and the importance of proactive enforcement efforts aimed at preventing violence before it occurs.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges are possible pending further forensic analysis and digital evidence review.
