Major Bust in Downtown Greeley Leads to Four Arrests in Tense SWAT Operation

Residents in downtown Greeley woke up to a dramatic scene last Thursday as local law enforcement teamed up with federal officers for a bold operation.

Greeley Police, backed by their elite SWAT unit and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, descended on a home in the bustling 1300 block of 11th Avenue around 10 a.m.

The intense standoff forced a temporary shutdown of the street between 13th and 14th, drawing crowds of curious onlookers and disrupting the usual morning flow in this vibrant neighborhood.

Tensions escalated when occupants ignored repeated calls to surrender, prompting the use of distraction tactics and chemical agents to flush them out from the house and a nearby garage.

Eventually, the suspects emerged from hiding spots, including an attic, and received on-site medical checks before heading to custody.

Those taken into custody include Geoffrey Rocha, 37, nabbed for skipping court; Anthony Ornelas, 40, facing probation issues and a no-show charge; Felicia Ybarra, 39, also known as Delgado, hit with multiple failure-to-appear warrants; and Vincent Romero, 36, for dodging a court date.

Bail amounts varied, with Ornelas facing the steepest at $24,500 combined, while others ranged from $1,000 to $2,500.

This raid highlights ongoing efforts to tackle warrant dodgers in Weld County, especially amid recent upticks in local enforcement actions like the Special Enforcement Team's pursuits.

The community breathed a sigh of relief as normalcy returned, but the event underscores the challenges of maintaining safety in growing areas like downtown Greeley.

Officials urge anyone with tips to reach out to investigators, emphasizing how public input strengthens these operations.

In a city that's seen its share of high-profile busts lately, this incident adds to discussions about bolstering neighborhood security and supporting law enforcement partnerships.