Police in Wisconsin have arrested a man with suspected ties to a dangerous Venezuelan gang for allegedly assaulting a woman and a child. Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, 26, was taken into custody after being accused of physical and sexual violence against an adult woman. Police say Zarate is linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, a violent transnational criminal organization.
Zarate faces multiple charges, including second-degree sexual assault, domestic battery, child abuse, and strangulation. The Prairie du Chien Police Department said the arrest occurred after officers responded to reports of violent behavior. Police Chief Kyle Teynor clarified that Zarate was not a random attacker but someone known to the victims, emphasizing the need for communities to be aware of the dangers posed by criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua.
A Facebook post by the police department detailed the situation, confirming that both an adult woman and a female juvenile were harmed during the assault. The injured child was found at the scene, adding another layer of concern to the ongoing investigation.
Tren de Aragua is no stranger to law enforcement in the U.S. The gang has been involved in various crimes, from drug and weapons trafficking to human smuggling. This gang’s influence is spreading to cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and Atlanta, as reported by multiple law enforcement agencies. Since at least October 2023, police in Chicago have confirmed the presence of Tren de Aragua members. In the months following a high-profile raid in Venezuela, more U.S. cities have reported criminal activities linked to this gang.
Zarate’s criminal history includes a long list of offenses in Dane County, where he faced warrants for strangulation, false imprisonment, and disorderly conduct. His arrest in Prairie du Chien highlights the growing concern about transnational gangs infiltrating smaller communities across the country.
