Aurora Police Recover Stolen Gun With Machine Gun Conversion Device After Foot Chase With Two Teens

Three Loaded Firearms Seized on Aurora’s East Side

Aurora police recovered three loaded handguns from two teenagers after a foot chase on the city’s East Side last Thursday, including a stolen gun modified to fire automatically, according to the Aurora Police Department.

Investigators from the department’s Special Operations Group attempted to make contact with Johnathan Rios, 18, and a 15-year-old boy near the intersection of North East Avenue and Fulton Street at approximately 8:32 p.m. on May 14, the department said in a news release.

Both teens fled on foot after police identified themselves.

"During the pursuit, investigators observed behavior consistent with both subjects being armed," the department said in a news release.

The 15-Year-Old Apprehended With Loaded Handgun

The 15-year-old was caught after a brief chase. Police found a loaded silver and black Glock 43X 9mm handgun tucked into his waistband, according to the release. The weapon contained a loaded 10-round magazine.

Rios kept running through nearby yards before investigators caught him.

Stolen Gun With Machine Gun Conversion Device Recovered

During the pursuit, police said they watched Rios discard two firearms near a fence line. Officers recovered both weapons.

One was a black Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun loaded with 13 rounds. The other was a black Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun loaded with a 29-round extended magazine containing three live rounds.

That second gun had been reported stolen outside of Aurora, police said. It was also equipped with a machine gun conversion device, commonly known as a "switch," which can significantly increase a handgun’s rate of fire.

Investigators also recovered a box containing 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition from Rios, according to the release.

Neither teen had a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or concealed carry license, the department said.

Charges Filed

Rios faces the following charges, according to police:

• Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon — machine gun (Class X Felony)
• Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon — FOID not eligible (Class 3 Felony)
• Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (Class 4 Felony) — five counts

The 15-year-old faces these charges:

• Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon — FOID not eligible (Class 3 Felony)
• Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (Class 4 Felony) — three counts

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible pending further forensic analysis and digital evidence review.

Police Chief Highlights Proactive Enforcement

The case began when Aurora police received information about individuals allegedly displaying firearms in Aurora neighborhoods, the department said. Investigators identified the two teens and conducted surveillance operations on a residence before attempting to make contact.

"The proactive work by our Special Operations Group investigators directly led to the recovery of multiple illegal firearms from our streets, including a stolen handgun outfitted with a machine gun conversion device capable of significantly increasing its rate of fire," Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas said in a statement.

"This case highlights the dangers associated with illegal firearms possession and the importance of proactive enforcement efforts aimed at preventing violence before it occurs."

The recovery of a modified automatic weapon from an 18-year-old and a loaded handgun from a 15-year-old underscores the ongoing challenge Aurora police face in keeping illegal firearms off the city’s streets.