Two Aurora residents are accused of setting up a drug deal, then unwittingly plotting to rob drugs and cash from each other — sparking a shootout that left two men seriously injured.
Antonio Isais, 18, had contacted 17-year-old Jordy Arreola under the guise of buying marijuana, according to a statement from Aurora police. In fact, Isais and two other men planned to rob Arreola during the drug deal.
What they didn’t know was that Arreola had also gathered two of his friends to rob Isais, authorities claim.
When the groups arrived in separate vehicles about 10 p.m. Monday in the 2000 block of Coral Avenue, at least one person in each group was armed, police said.
Isais got in the vehicle with Arreola and his associates under the ruse of negotiating a deal for the drugs, police claim. The shooting began after one of Isais’ associates approached while armed and demanded drugs and cash, and more shots were fired as the men scattered and ran away.
Isais was shot twice in the back, and driven to the hospital by his associates, police claim. Paramedics found a 20-year-old with Arreola’s group shot in the shoulder in a nearby yard, and two guns were recovered at the scene.
Both men were seriously injured and are still undergoing treatment at an Aurora hospital, police said.
Isais, of the 200 block of St. Josephs Street, and Arreola, of the 600 block of North Avenue, are each charged with attempted murder and attempted armed robbery, police said.
Arreola was charged as an adult because of the serious nature of the alleged crimes, authorities said.
Aurora police continue to investigate and said more charges are likely. Anyone with information is asked to call Aurora police at 630-256-5500 or leave an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000, police said. Information leading to additional arrests qualifies for a $5,000 reward.