Updated Monday at 1:45 p.m.
Recently released probable cause affidavits reveal more details regarding the four arrests at a hotel near Coors Field on Friday.
According to the documents, Denver Police were tipped off by a housekeeper, who saw a rifle, gun components and photos of guns in a suspect’s room. They also found a suspect’s vehicle, which contained a ballistic vest.
Police said they found probable cause in the possession of a rifle, the room’s location and the immediate vicinity of the All-Star game.
“There is a propensity for mass casualty incidents in scenarios such as the above where many people are gathered together in a small area for a single event,” the affidavit said.
After detaining the four suspects, Denver police found a “large quantity” of methamphetamine, black tar heroin, and ecstasy. Twelve guns, of which the makes and models were not specified, were found in the two rooms. One suspect was carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Police also noted a large amount of cash both in the rooms and on the suspects.
Police said the scene and evidence found pointed toward illicit drug sales.
Our original story follows below.
Despite the proximity, arrests on gun and drug charges Friday night have nothing to do with the 2021 MLB All-Star game, officials said. Denver Police arrested three men and a woman at Maven Hotel on Friday, a downtown Denver hotel minutes away from Coors Field where All-Star events have been taking place for several days in the lead up to Tuesday’s game.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Denver branch said they do not believe the suspects were connected to terrorism plans or posed a threat.
Officials said they obtained search warrants for two rooms at the Maven Hotel after a tip from an employee.
“We are incredibly proud that our team swiftly alerted the authorities in this instance. We are thankful to DPD for their quick action to safely resolve this situation and will continue to work closely with them to support their investigation,” said a statement from Maven Hotel’s parent company Sage Hospitality Group.
Police thanked the employee for alerting them to the suspects, and encouraged people to always be wary of their surroundings or suspicious activity.
“The investigation and arrests were the result of a tip from the public, serving as an excellent example of the critical role the community plays in public safety,” police said in a statement.
Police said they recovered “evidence,” but only said that two vehicles were impounded as part of their investigation.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Denver Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CPR News.
The four people arrested and their charges are:
- Richard Platt, 42, for investigation of possession of a weapon by a previous offender, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (two counts), and a warrant from another jurisdiction.
- Gabriel Rodriguez, 48, for investigation of possession of a weapon by a previous offender, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
- Ricardo Rodriguez, 44, for investigation of possession of a weapon by a previous offender.
- Kanoelehua Serikawa, 43, for investigation of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and a warrant from another jurisdiction.
