Hells Angels set to thunder through the Midlands

Off the Wire
MCs in the News
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The notorious motorcycle group Hells Angels is coming to South Carolina, and local officials are ramping up law enforcement patrols in preparation.

In three days, the group will thunder through Lexington, into West Columbia, along Lake Murray and into downtown Columbia.

The group is headed to the Midlands to raise money for legal fees and bail, after Las Vegas police raided six Hells Angel's homes last November. The rally is called the "Sin City Six Defense Fund."

Lexington Mayor Randy Halfacre declined to talk about the rally on camera, instead agreed to a telephone interview.

"We don't want to call any attention to them coming to cause unnecessary attention that may bring a bunch of people out that may want to be bystanders," said Halfacre.

Halfacre says he found out about the rally about a month ago from law enforcement.

Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green declined to talk about the rally. Chief Green would only say his department is working with the State Law Enforcement Division and federal authorities to ensure there are enough officers in town during the rally.

"Anytime you have a large biking group planning to come into town, you have to make sure that you have the proper law enforcement provisions in place," said Halfacre.

Halfacre says he doesn't think there'll be any trouble with the Hells Angels in town, so he says there is no need to notify the public.

"I'm very comfortable that we're in a good position to maintain law and order," said Halfacre. "We're hoping that we're making the right decisions and I guess Monday morning we'll be able to tell you a little bit better if we did make the right decisions or not."

The rally starts Saturday in downtown Lexington, then into West Columbia, and inside Columbia.

SLED says that they are aware of the rally and are working with local law enforcement.

The City of Columbia says they're stepping up patrols Saturday to deal with traffic.

We tried to contact the rally organizers today by phone, but our calls were not returned.

We'll keep you updated on any developments on this rally.

Original article...

http://www.wistv.com/global/story.asp?s=12079092