On Friday, April 7, 2023, at approximately 11:40 p.m., detectives responded to the area of Plaza Verde Park (800 block of Ash), when they observed several parties gathering near the intersection of Ash Street and Glendale Avenue. This group included at least three motorcycles and several vehicles.
While observing the group, detectives noticed several individuals were armed, waving guns around and at times pointing them in the direction of neighboring houses which created a concern for public safety.
The group set up lighting equipment and appeared to be videoing themselves. Detectives then enlisted the assistance of uniformed patrol officers, and a plan was formulated to contact the individuals with firearms.
Once officers began their attempt to contact the individuals, all parties took off running in numerous directions. Several individuals were contacted and detained. One suspect aimed an assault rifle at detectives during the incident.
This party was identified as four-time convicted felon Juan Cerqueira. The AR15 style pistol was recovered with a full magazine inserted and had a round in the chamber. Cerqueira was arrested and booked into jail on two counts of Attempted 1st Degree Assault on a Peace Officer and Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (POWPO).
During the incident, a juvenile was also taken into custody as he was also in possession of a firearm. He was booked in Pueblo Youth Center (PYC) on the charge of a juvenile in Possession of a Firearm.
A total of five guns were recovered from throughout the area as a result of this investigation.
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