Ohio - Hell's Angels Make Move Into Cincinnati

OFF THE WIRE
wlwt.com
Queen City Sees Explosion Of Motorcycle Gangs..


CINCINNATI -- Local police agencies said a new biker gang could be moving into the Tri-State.
Officers said the possible expansion of the Hell's Angels could bring about a turf war.
Investigators said the Detroit Highwaymen group is moving into new headquarters at Eighth and State streets.
Police said they came knocking at the group's original location on Central Avenue a couple of years ago.
"(We) introduced ourselves and explained as long as they didn't break the law they won't have any problems from us," Assistant Police Chief Vince Demasi said.
Police said the Highwaymen's new spot is just a block away from a rival group known as "The Outcasts."
Officials said Cincinnati appears to have become a hotbed for motorcycle clubs.
Police said the city has been home to the Iron Horsemen club for several decades, as well as other groups.
"We've gotten some information that a group of Hell's Angels out of Cleveland are trying to relocate here as well," Demasi said.
Police stressed the problem isn't with people who like to ride motorcycles, it's the 1 percent that is connected to criminal activity. Detective said the "1 percenters" generally make their money off of prostitution and drug money.
City officials said they hope those crimes won't follow with an explosion of clubhouses.
Some experts suggest the swell of bikers is tied to an FBI raid in Detroit that left more than 90 Detroit Highwaymen in custody and pushed many biker gangs out of Michigan.
Police said "1 percenters" generally target other gang members, but people should be alert if a club moves into the neighborhood.
"That would unnerve me enough to leave. Because the two of them never play well with each other," Demas said.
Officers said the largest collection of fights between the club members, has been within bars on the west side of town.