DENVER (CBS4) – A series of violent attacks in downtown Denver have prompted a citizen group to step up volunteer patrols.

Members of the Guardian Angels say they are trying to live up to their name at a time where concerns about safety are high in the city.

There have been at least 15 assaults and robberies across the downtown area since the beginning of August, something that concerns Angels like Joe “Train Wreck” Hoschouer.

“We’re hoping that out presence down here deters a lot of problems they are having,” Hoschouer said during a patrol on Monday.

The Guardian Angels are mostly out on Friday and Saturday nights, and can’t be missed with their bright red berets and jackets. Their patrols start on Colfax Avenue and go down the 16th Street Mall, where some of the most violent attacks have happened.

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If they see something suspicious they immediately call police, but members say they are ready to make citizen’s arrests or to step in to break up fights.

“If I had to protect you from somebody right now, I wouldn’t give two cents about my life,” Chris Wyong told CBS4 during his patrol with Hoschouer.

Wyong recently joined the Angels, whose Denver chapter has about 30 members, according to a report in the Denver Post.

“I’ve got teenagers and I know one specifically hangs out (on the 16th Street Mall) all the time and I’m constantly worried about her,” Wyong said.

Denver area resident Bonnie Dowden stopped to talk to Wyong, Hoschouer and the chapter organizer Sebastian Metz on Monday night. She told CBS4 she was happy to see them on the streets.

“I think the intimidation is great. You don’t have to have a weapon to have a presence and let people know that you’re not afraid,” she said.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the Colorado Guardian Angels at coloradoguardianangels.com. The group is always looking for new members.