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4 arrested after Denver crews conduct homeless camp sweep in RiNo

Denver health officials said conditions at the camp presented hazards to the people living there.

DENVER — City of Denver crews on Monday morning cleared and cleaned a camp occupied by those experiencing homelessness near 29th Street and Arkins Court in Denver's River North (RiNo) Arts District.

Advocacy group Denver Homeless Out Loud said 300 people experiencing homelessness live at the camp.

Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) spokesperson Nancy Kuhn said the cleanup aims to address "deteriorating conditions and encumbrances in the public right of way."

Kuhn said DOTI posted a notice of the cleanup seven days ago.  

The Denver Police Department said four people were arrested during Monday's sweep for failure to obey a lawful order: 

  • Donald Sisneros, 24
  • Manuel Sepelveda, 47
  • Sierra Hamilton, 30
  • Cordarius Miles, 30

The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) has since posted a temporary area restriction on Arkins Court from approximately Denargo Street to 29th Avenue, and the streets surrounding the vacant lot at that location.

The order temporarily limits access to the location by the public to allow for the clearing, cleaning and mitigation of public health risks to the area. 

DDPHE spokesperson Tammy Vigil said the area will re-open for public use when abatement and clean-up measures have restored the location to a safe and stable state.

Vigil said the area presents "significant public and environmental health risks due to unsafe conditions associated with litter, human waste, pests and biohazards." 

The site surrounds a vacant lot of land and is next to the Cross Roads Shelter and South Platte River, according to Denver Homeless Out Loud.

"Outreach teams have been visiting the area in advance to connect people to services, shelter and housing, and that work continues today," Kuhn wrote in an email to 9NEWS.

RELATED: Denver Homeless Out Loud challenges sweeps as 'unconstitutional' in new lawsuit

RELATED: Denver crews conduct homeless camp sweep at 14th and Logan

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