Hells Angels MC poker run stopped by police

Kelowna, British Columbia (September 22, 2018) BTN— Dozens of Hells Angels and associated motorcycle club members were pulled over by police on Kelowna's Glenmore Road Saturday, not long after the riders took off from the Kelowna Hells Angels clubhouse on their annual Poker Run ride.

Upwards of 100 riders were seen pulled over on Glenmore Road, just north of Summit Drive at about noon. Earlier Saturday, the bikers had left from the Hells Angel's clubhouse in Kelowna's North End, on Ellis Street.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, B.C.'s anti-gang police agency, is in Kelowna this weekend to support the Kelowna RCMP during the Hells Angel event.

The Kelowna RCMP have yet to comment on the ride, or about their interaction with the riders on Glenmore Road. It's unclear if any arrests were made.

The poker run involves riding to different locations and collecting playing cards. The cards are then used to make a poker hand at the end of the ride.

The Hells Angels set up a chapter in Kelowna around 2006. The gang's clubhouse, while still in use by its members, is the subject of an ongoing BC Civil Forfeiture Office trial in BC Supreme Court in Vancouver.

After several police raids on the property over the past several years, the property's assets were frozen in 2016, pending the outcome of the trial. The BC Civil Forfeiture Office is looking to seize the gang's clubhouses in Nanaimo and Vancouver, in addition to Kelowna, arguing the properties will be used to commit crimes in the future.

The trial, 10 years in the making, is scheduled into December.

UPDATE:

The police traffic stop of the Hells Angel poker run in Kelowna stemmed from some confusion over the correct route by riders, according to police.

Sgt. Brenda Winpenny of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit BC says the confusion over the correct route resulted in the bikers blocking traffic on Glenmore Road.

"An RCMP traffic unit initiated a traffic stop with the lead bikers to address the situation," Sgt. Winpenny said. "CFSEU-BC was present and assisted the traffic unit with the stop."

The CFSEU-BC, B.C.'s anti-gang police agency, are in Kelowna this weekend for the Hells Angel poker run.

"The main objective at these events is to ensure police and public safety and that the participants of the ride abide by the law," Sgt. Winpenny said.

The Kelowna RCMP has not yet commented on the ride or the traffic stop.

SOURCE: Casanet

Mongols MC leader dodges prison

Medford, Oregon (September 22, 2018) BTN— A man believed to have headed the local chapter of a motorcycle club has been sentenced to probation for his role in a firearms deal with undercover federal agents.

Steven Jay Silva, 53, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Medford Wednesday morning to five years of probation for his role in buying illicit firearms from undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents last summer. The guns included a sawed-off shotgun and a silencer Silva believed to be unmarked and unregistered.

Silva, who police believe was president of the Southern Oregon chapter of the Mongols MC during the summer of 2017, bought six guns, including the sawed-off shotgun, Aug. 14 of last year.

In September 2017, Silva reportedly coordinated a drug and gun buy with undercover agents, which reportedly included 400 OxyContin pills, 90 Vicodin pills, three revolvers and a silencer for which Silva paid $2,050.

A search warrant executed at his home in the 1000 block of Edwina Avenue yielded multiple photos and memorabilia related to his motorcycle gang membership, including his “cut” or vest.

ATF agents say Silva’s patches show him to be “one of the founding Mongols of the Southern Oregon chapter,” before delineating other patches related to the roughly 600-member gang headquartered in central California, which has rivalries with the Hells Angels, the Outlaws and the Sons of Silence, according to ATF agents.

Silva’s “Respect Few, Fear None” patch is typically earned when someone engages in violence on behalf of the gang; and the wing patches on his vest “are earned when someone engages in various sex acts with a woman in front of other Mongol members.”

Silva professes to have resigned from the club since he was charged last year. In court filings, his public defender, Brian Butler, argued that Silva has completed drug treatment, maintained full-time employment and has complied with terms of his pretrial release.

SOURCE: Mail Tribune

Motorcycles continued

A parked Harley-Davidson panhead motorcycle

Saskatoon police to public: Increased presence of Hells Angels

Saskatoon, Canada (September 21, 2018) BTN— Members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club are converging on the city this weekend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the club's Saskatoon chapter.

The red and white will be flying frequently in Saskatoon this weekend as members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club are converging on the city to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the club’s Saskatoon chapter.

City police say Hells Angels and their associates will be gathering in the city for the celebration and say members of the public can expect to see an increased presence from the motorcycle club from here in Saskatchewan and from right across Canada.

“The Saskatoon Police Service has an operational plan in place and additional policing resources will be on hand to ensure the safety of the public and all those involved,” says the Saskatoon Police Service news release.

This isn’t the first time a large number of Hells Angels from across Canada converged on Saskatoon. In 2012, members of the infamous club converged on the city for the National Run, which saw members from across the country arrive in the bridge city.

Saskatoon Police Services and the RCMP held a press conference to announce drug busts of Hells Angels members and associates on January 15, 2015 in Saskatoon. Members of the club from across Canada are expected to converge on Saskatoon this weekend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Saskatoon Hells Angels chapter

SOURCE: The Star Phoenix

Motorcycle Clubs are breaking the "Outlaw" stereotype

San Angelo, Texas (September 19, 2018) BTN— Motorcycle Clubs are breaking the "Outlaw" stereotype that has been pinned to them.

The club manager at San Angelo's Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Janet Sheppard, says, "I've been asked many times why I let the motorcycle clubs hang out at the VFW. Most of the times the people in these motorcycle clubs are either active duty or veterans, and the VFW is there home."

Non-members of the American Motorcyclist Association, and incidents, such as the shootout involving motorcycle club affiliates in Waco, Texas, are some of the things that created the outlaw stereotype of motorcycle clubs.

The president of Iron Horse MC-McCulloch County, "Iron Horse Preacher", says, "To overcome something like Waco, we just have to work and show the community what happened. There was an isolated incident. Those Confederation of Clubs and independent meetings like that — we've been doing this for over twenty years, we've never had an incident at any of them, until that one."

To prove these incidents are individual issues rather than club-associated issues, they involve themselves in different fundraisers and give back to the community.

A member of the Silent Heroes MC, "Squirrel," explained "in July, we did a BBQ benefit at the VFW. Every year we go to Shannon and we go deliver toys to the kids."

Besides fundraising for events, they are also politically involved.

President and Founder of Ponderosas MC, Gypc Serna, says, "We are trying to get motorcycle profiling an amendment on the Texas state constitution."

Members say police pull them over due to their outfits. Profiling also comes from establishments around town.

"There are several in San Angelo, that you can't wear any of your colors in," says Preacher.

So people might ask, why the club? Why not just ride?

"It's the unity of the club, it's the structure of the club," says Preacher. "A lot of the guys that are in clubs are ex-military because they miss that structure that they had in the military."

The clubs call themselves a brotherhood and sisterhood. They enjoy the comradery the organization has to offer.

"If there was ever any trouble in here," says Sheppard. "I feel certain that I would be protected, first of anyone."

SOURCE: Concho Valley Homepage

Hells Angels MC members charged with violence

Greenville, VA. (September 10, 2018) BTN — An alleged fight between rival motorcycle clubs sent two men to a hospital in Augusta County.

Investigators say not a word was said before the violence started early Monday, September 10.

According to Sheriff Donald Smith, members of the Hells Angels from New York attacked two members of the Pagan's Motorcycle Club outside an inn on Route 11 around 3 a.m. Monday. One man was beaten, and a second man was shot.

"Both had been at a convention-type thing for the their clubs, and were just passing through the area, and they ended up meeting down in the Greenville area and this is the end result of it," said the sheriff.

"It looks like that the Hells Angels were there first and then the Pagans just showed up to rent a room and it looks like the two just clashed. The one just attacked the other one."

The shooting victim is said to be in serious, but stable condition. The victim of the beating has been treated and released. Both men are from Virginia.

A total of seven Hells Angels have been arrested:

Nathaniel A. Villaman, 27, of East Brunswick, New Jersey: malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

Andy Thongthawath, 27, of Queens, New York: possession of Schedule I or II drug, possession of a firearm while in possession of Schedule I or II drug

Joseph Anthony Paturzo, 52, of the Bronx, New York: malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

Dominick J. Eadicicco, 48, of Staten Island, New Jersey: malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

Richard E. West, 52, of Baldwin, New York: malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

Buster Domingo 69, of South Ozone Park, New York: possession Schedule I or II drug, possession of a firearm while in possession of Schedule I or II drug

Anthony Vincent Milan, 28, of East Elmhurst, New York: malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

Members of the Staunton Police Department assisted in searching the motel. Authorities seized eight Harley Davidson motorcycles, as well as other items.

09/10/2018 Updated Release from the Augusta County Sheriff's Office:

During the early morning hours (approximately 0253) on Monday, September 10, 2018, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at 3554 Lee Jackson Highway in the Greenville area.

When deputies arrived on location they found a male victim who had been shot and an additional male who was beaten.

Deputies secured the motel and established a perimeter around the motel.

Tactical teams from the Staunton Police Department and the ACSO executed a search warrant on three rooms. At that time seven members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club were detained without incident and transported to the ACSO to be interviewed.

The Hells Angels are from the New York City area.

Five are being charged:

Malicious wounding

Use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Two of the Hells Angels were charged:

Possession of meth

Possession of a schedule 1 or 2 drug while in possession of a firearm

As a result of the search warrant numerous Hells Angels’ clothing, jewelry, and motorcycles were seized as part of the investigation.

Both victims are members of the Pagan MC in Virginia.

09/10/2018 Release from the Augusta County Sheriff's Office:

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early morning shooting in Greenville, VA.

The preliminary investigation revealed that one man was shot, and another was assaulted. The shooting victim was transported to the hospital where he is undergoing surgery.

The male who was assaulted was also transported to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Seven men were detained at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.

There is no current threat to the community.

As a precautionary measure, schools and a daycare in the area were notified of the incident.

SOURCE: NBC29

Cop on leave for starting bar brawl with Hells Angels

Willoughby, Ohio(August 29, 2018) BTN — A Euclid officer is on paid administrative leave after he pulled out a gun during a fight with two men at a Willoughby bar, police said.

Todd Gauntner, 32, is charged with using a weapon while under intoxication in an incident that happened early Friday morning, Willoughby police said.

Authorities said Gauntner and two other men -- Dustin Wolf, 28, and Bradley Peterson, 39 -- got into an argument that turned into a physical brawl.

Cop with wounds from a beat down by club members

Police went about 1 a.m. to Frank and Tony's Place on 2nd Street to investigate a report of a large fight involving several men. A bartender told the investigators that someone pulled out a gun and put it to someone's head, according to a police report. He did not use his department-issued gun in the incident, the report says.

The bartender said the men fought behind the bar and broke bottles and other items, police said. Employees at the bar tried to break up the fight before police arrived.

The bartender can be heard crying on a 911 call saying a man with a white shirt had a gun and that he pointed at someone's head.

Gauntner suffered minor scratches to his face. He was arrested and placed in the Willoughby city jail, police said.

Police initially cited Wolf and Peterson with disorderly conduct and were allowed to leave the bar. Those charges were dropped, but both are now charged in warrants with assault, and investigators have accused them of being the aggressors in the fight.

Gauntner is a four-year veteran of the Euclid Police Department once honored for saving the life of a man shot 16 times, but Gauntner's negative attention dates back to 2016.

He pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm in an incident that happened Thanksgiving at Sims Park in Euclid. A Euclid Municipal Court judge ordered him to pay a $235 fine and to attend counseling in that incident. Euclid police suspended him for 90 days as they conducted an internal investigation.

Gauntner has been placed on paid administrative leave following Friday's incident as the department conducts an internal investigation to determine if he broke policy, Euclid Lt. Mitch Houser said.

If it is determined Gauntner violated department rules and regulations the most Euclid police officials can do is suspend him for two weeks without pay, Houser said. Harsher punishment would have to come from Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer, who also serves as the city's public safety director.

Gaunter is scheduled to appear in Willoughby Municipal Court Thursday at 8:15 a.m. for an arraignment. 

SOURCE: Cleveland.com

Raptor police tackle NSW bikie conflict

Newcastle, AU (April 5, 2018) BTN — Thirteen alleged outlaw motorcycle club members have been charged after raids in the NSW Hunter region with a specialist police squad staying in town to stop what's being called the biggest bikie conflict in NSW.

Thirty-one properties, from Muswellbrook to Newcastle, were targeted in Thursday's large-scale sting involving more than 280 police officers cracking down on the escalating conflict between rival clubs - the Finks and the Nomads.

Weapons, explosive detonators, guns, drugs and reptiles were seized, while 11 of those arrested were charged with participating in a criminal group and two were charged with drug offences.

Strikeforce Raptor, the squad of officers most reviled by the OMCG underworld, will remain in the region to support local police until the conflict ends.

The raids follow an investigation into the ongoing "civil war" between the two clubs, believed to have begun in late 2016, when a former Nomads bikies switched allegiance by "patching over" to the Finks.

There have since been a string of incidents, from assaults to drive-by shootings and firebombings, each more serious than the last.

In an affidavit tendered to the NSW Supreme Court last week, Sergeant Gary Broadhurst said the Hunter conflict was the most significant bikie war occurring in NSW.

The 13 men charged were granted strict conditional bail, with nine scheduled to appear at Newcastle Local Court on May 3 and the remaining four due to appear at the same court on April 26.

SOURCE: The West Australian

Source: Biker Trash Network