Activist says gangs are battling for turf
Carlos Illescas

AURORA — A gang battle that ended in gunfire Tuesday and put two people in the hospital was the result of a national Latino gang trying to claim local turf, said an anti-gang activist.

The Rev. Leon Kelly, who runs the Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives program, said tensions between the Sureños 13 and local gangs over turf have been simmering for months.

There have been skirmishes almost every weekend, he said.

Things escalated Tuesday at Highland Hollow Park, where several dozen people gathered. Gunfire erupted, and two people were shot. Their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Two suspects have been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Police are not releasing the names of those involved.

“They (Sureños 13) are trying to establish themselves, and they are doing a very good job,â€