Robbers target motels in Aurora, Denver
By April M. Washington, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published April 29, 2008 at 12:16 p.m.
Updated April 29, 2008 at 12:16 p.m.
A brazen trio of bandits has held up 18 motels and other businesses in Aurora and Denver since the start of April, prompting police to turn to the public for help in busting the ring.
"They're hitting a business every two to three days, and at times they're hitting one place and then another within 20 to 30 minutes of one another," said Detective Shannon Lucy, Aurora police spokeswoman. "We have up to 18 robberies attributed to this ring within three weeks time."
The armed robberies have occurred between 8 p.m. and midnight.Fourteen motels — six in Aurora, seven Denver and one in Glendale — have been targeted. An Aurora clothing store became the latest victim last week.
Police have tied four additional heists to the suspects, based on physical descriptions, said Denver Police spokesman Sonny Jackson.
Police are searching for two black males and possibly a black female who is believed to be driving the getaway car, a mid-1990s, dark-blue, four-door sedan, Lucy said.
Witnesses have described one of the men as 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-9, with a slim to medium build and scruffy facial hair.
Police would not disclose the amount of money believed to be stolen.
"They're targeting low security places," said Jackson. "I don't think they're looking for large volume monies. They're going to for quantity and they're hitting more frequently because they're not getting tons of money.
"Our biggest concern is they're showing a gun in every incident, so there is a potential of someone getting shot or killed," he added.
The two men tend to switch roles, with one committing the robbery and one driving the getaway car. Police believe a woman sometimes helps them.
The robber typically wears a dark hoodie and carries a black or silver semi-automatic handgun. He sometimes wears black- or gold-rimmed eyeglasses and red gloves, Lucy said.
"The robber walks to the front desk at a hotel and inquires about renting a room. He shows the handgun and demands money from both the cash register and safe," Lucy said. "He runs from the hotel to a getaway car waiting in the wings."
The ring has hit several Motel 6's, Fairfield Inns, Super 8's, Comfort Inns and Best Western motels. It also struck a Family Dollar in Aurora and a gas station.
"The majority of the hotels hit are near the interstate," Lucy said. "By time a call comes into dispatch, they're five to 10 minutes away."
Crime Stoppers is offering up to $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects. Aurora Police is offering $1,000 reward.
washingtonam@RockyMountainNews.com
or 303-954-5086
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April 29, 2008
12:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
samsmargolis writes:
"He runs from the hotel to a getaway car waiting in the wings."
Whoa. How cool is that? A hotel with wings! I've been booking my flights and hotels separately, but Aurora is onto something here with the whole flying hotel concept. Hope this catches on nationally - that'll make traveling much easier. Minus the whole robbery thing, that is. That's kinda icky. If I were the cops, I'd be looking for cars parked in the wings - might be a clue that something bad is about to happen.
April 29, 2008
1:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Ken writes:
Yeah...I really hope you're being sarcastic and not just plain stupid. "Waiting in the wings" is an idiom. Meaning, someone who is waiting in the background or nearby, ready to act on short notice. It's a popular saying here in the United States.
April 29, 2008
1:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
matthew writes:
You've never heard of the idiom "<a href="http://www.usingenglish.com/reference... in the wings</a>"?
You might be interested in knowing that a wing is also:
- a stage area out of sight of the audience
- a unit of military aircraft
- flank: the side of military or naval formation
- a hockey player stationed in a forward position on either side
- a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud
- an addition that extends a main building
Welcome to America, my friend.
April 29, 2008
1:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
matthew writes:
that should be: http://www.usingenglish.com/reference...
April 29, 2008
2:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
Matthew and Ken,
Don't be silly, of course sam is just trying to be funny!
Sam, you made me laugh!
April 29, 2008
2:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Seabreezes writes:
I'm surprised these aren't hate crimes, since according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 75% of hotels/motels in America are owned by Indians, usually with the surname Patel. Where's the outrage?
BTW I'm being totally sarcastic. No calls for my head on a platter, now. And Sam, I got the joke.
April 29, 2008
4:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
samsmargolis writes:
Thank you, Heidi. Yeesh. We're all getting a little full of ourselves, aren't we?
Seabreeze - nice one. Hope the thought police don't rain on your parade. Oh, crap. There I go with the witty sayings....
April 29, 2008
4:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Ken writes:
Sorry Sam...I didn't realize you were being humourous. Next time I'll remember to laugh.