Three Tren de Aragua gang members arrested in Summerville

Police in Summerville say they have arrested three men connected to a Venezuelan gang. The arrests occurred after the men were caught shoplifting at a gun store on February 27. Officers were called to the Palmetto State Armory around 5 p.m. The store's loss prevention team had already detained the suspects. They were identified as Alejandro J. Miranda Rodriguez, Yosveni Miched Parra Quinonez, and Edison Alejandro Ramiro Munoz. Police found they had stolen about $300 worth of gun parts and ammunition. A burglary tool was also discovered with them. The suspects were dressed in long sleeves and pants despite the warm weather. This was done to hide their gang tattoos from law enforcement. Investigators confirmed that they were members of Tren de Aragua, a group the federal government deemed a foreign terrorist organization in January. Summerville police contacted Homeland Security Investigations. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents then interviewed the men at the store. The suspects admitted they intended to sell the stolen items for drugs. All three men face charges of shoplifting goods worth less than $2,000. Quinonez is also charged with possession of crime tools. They were taken to the Dorchester County Detention Center and have a federal detainer from ICE for further investigation and a hearing.