ORGANIZED CRIME RING BROKEN WITH 18 ARRESTS

A regional task force arrested 18 people - including four youths - suspected of "organized and violent criminal activity throughout the state," Aurora police announced Monday. The 13-month investigation targeted a ring responsible for more than 20 "criminal episodes" in Aurora, Bennett, Commerce City, Denver, Frederick, Firestone, Greeley and Parker as well as Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas and Weld counties.

The task force seized 31 firearms and filed 166 felony charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. With the help of SWAT teams, the suspects were taken into custody in Aurora, Bennett, Commerce City, Denver and Greeley on Sept. 15 and Oct. 7. One person was arrested in Wichita, Kansas. [Photo: Aurora Police]