(LA JUNTA, Colo.) — Six people were arrested, and a large amount of illegal firearms and narcotics were seized when the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the La Junta Police Department partnered in carrying out a search warrant on a location that had allegedly been linked to criminal activity on Friday, Aug. 29.
According to CBI, a search warrant had been issued for a home in the 1300 block of San Juan Avenue, near City Park in La Junta, which had long been a source of community concern, having repeated complaints involving suspected drug distribution and other criminal activity. Law enforcement had worked to gather intelligence linking the home to the possession and trafficking of stolen firearms.
When CBI and La Junta police arrived at the location, a man later identified as 30-year-old Ezekiel Aguilar attempted to run from the home, according to CBI, but was caught in the backyard. Others inside the home at first refused to comply with commands to exit the home and tried to barricade themselves inside.
After less-than-lethal tactics were used, three people, 33-year-old Adrianna Smith, 33-year-old Jordan Del Rio, and 28-year-old Jeremy Del Rio, ran out of the home and were arrested, according to CBI. During a search of the home, 30-year-old Jaycob Butts was found hiding in a closet, and he tried to fight law enforcement before being taken into custody.
CBI reported that during a search of the home, six firearms, including an SKS battle rifle, were found, as well as a homemade semi-automatic short-barreled rifle with a homemade suppressor. The weapons were unmarked, lacked serial numbers, and are illegal in Colorado and under the National Firearms Act.
Law enforcement also found a significant amount of drugs, according to CBI, including 143 grams of fentanyl, which equals about 1,430 pills, and around 17 grams of methamphetamine. An unknown quantity of cash was also found.
CBI stated that while officers were searching the home, 41-year-old Zachary James arrived and was arrested on outstanding felony warrants.
According to CBI, six people were arrested, including:
- Butts for Obstruction and Resisting Arrest
- Smith for Obstruction
- Jordan Del Rio for Unlawful Distribution, Special Offender Dangerous Weapon, and Obstruction
- Jeremy Del Rio for Unlawful Distribution, Special Offender Dangerous Weapon, Obstruction, and Resisting Arrest
- Aguilar for Outstanding Arrest Warrants
- James for Outstanding Arrest Warrants.
“This operation highlights the commitment of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the La Junta Police Department to address drug and firearms trafficking in our communities,” said Todd Quick, La Junta Police Chief. “The recovery of illegal weapons and dangerous narcotics reinforces the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts to safeguard the citizens of La Junta and the State of Colorado.”
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
