The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has opened a new office in Denver, making it more efficient for agents to assist in local investigations, federal officials announced Monday.
More than 100 ATF agents and personnel are working in the new division based in Denver that covers Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. An increase of 30 staff and agents is expected over the next 18 months, said Michael Sullivan, acting director of the ATF.
Previously, ATF agents assigned in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah reported to the field office in Phoenix. Agents from Wyoming reported to a field office in St. Paul, Minn.
The move will make it easier for agents to travel to crime scenes and to assist law enforcement in the Rocky Mountain West. It also will allow agents and personnel based in Phoenix to focus on firearms trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border, Sul livan said.
ATF agent Matthew Horace is helming the Denver division until authorities announce a new special agent in charge before the end of the year.
U.S. Attorney Troy Eid says he welcomed the newly focused division because there has been an uptick in violent crimes involving weapons.
An increase in shootings statewide and an increase of drug dealers arrested with firearms underscore the need for more agents who specialize in guns, Eid said.
ATF agents in Denver assisted local police in investigating Sunday’s fatal church-campus shootings in Arvada and Colorado Springs.
Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com
