IRVING, TX – A dramatic standoff unfolded in an Irving apartment complex on Thursday, culminating in the arrest of Wilmer Colmenares, an alleged leader of a Venezuelan gang operating in Dallas. The tense situation, which lasted for eight hours, ended when Colmenares surrendered to authorities after tear gas was deployed.
The Dallas Police Department’s fugitive unit had been on Colmenares’ trail following a violent robbery on September 21. On that evening, a woman was attacked in her garage on Elsby Avenue by four men who followed her home. The suspects, speaking Spanish and seemingly receiving orders from a superior over the phone, held her at gunpoint.
According to the victim, she was forced to guide the intruders to her jewelry collection, which they then placed into her Gucci purse. The stolen items were valued at over $75,000. A significant lead in the investigation came from a fingerprint found at the scene, which led police to one of the suspects.
This arrested suspect cooperated with law enforcement, providing critical information about the group, including Colmenares’ involvement. Police believe the victim was randomly targeted, as the gang was reportedly driving around the area searching for a potential victim.
The arrest of Colmenares is a major development in the case, and it has prompted the Dallas Police Department to investigate whether this group is connected to other crimes in the area. The authorities are keen on dismantling the entire network to prevent further criminal activity.
Residents in the community have been on edge since the robbery, and the arrest brings a sense of relief as police work to ensure the safety of the neighborhood. The investigation continues with a focus on identifying any additional suspects and understanding the full scope of the gang’s operations.