Aurora police arrest suspected gang members in gun, drug investigations
Aurora police say they made multiple felony arrests and recovered firearms, ammunition, drugs and cash during separate investigations involving suspected gang members this week.
According to police, Special Operations Group investigators on patrol Monday conducted traffic stops on two vehicles, resulting in the arrests of two confirmed gang members and the recovery of two firearms.
During the first stop, which took place at about 5:50 p.m. in the area of Marshall and Highland avenues, investigators recovered a stolen handgun as well as a bag containing 37 rounds of ammunition.
Efren Romero, 23, of Aurora, who authorities say is a felon, was arrested faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and a street gang member. He’s also charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and driving with a revoked license, police said.
At about 7:45 p.m. Monday, SOG investigators conducted a second traffic stop near Route 30 and Douglas Road after observing a traffic violation.
During that stop, investigators found Victor Rodriguez, 18, of Centralia, Illinois, with a Glock handgun with an extended magazine in his waistband, according to police. The gun was loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition, police said.
Rodriguez is charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a street gang member and five other felony weapons charges.
Officials said Romero and Rodriguez remain in custody at the Kane County jail. Romero’s next court date is scheduled for Sept. 30, and Rodriguez will next be in court on Oct. 1.
Then around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, SOG investigators, the Community Oriented Policing Unit, K9 officers and a drone unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of South Elmwood Drive.
Alvaro Robledo, 34, of Aurora, and Olivia Gonzales, 33, of Aurora, both confirmed gang members, were arrested, authorities said.
During a search of the residence, investigators recovered approximately 1,596 grams of suspected cocaine, 205 suspected Adderall pills, 15 suspected ecstasy pills, a handgun loaded with 12 rounds, a .22-caliber rifle, approximately 450 rounds of ammunition, drug sales paraphernalia and $2,066 in cash, according to police.
Robledo is charged with eight felonies, including armed violence and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, and three counts of possession with intent to deliver, authorities said.
Gonzalez is facing three felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, according to police.
Robledo remains in custody at the Kane County jail pending a detention hearing. Gonzales was released after her detention hearing. Her next court date is scheduled for Oct. 29.
rwest@dailyherald.com