OFF THE WIRE
By Morgan Modjeski
The infamous winged skull representing the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club stands out against a grey sky at the Saskatoon chapter’s clubhouse located at 1135 Ave. Q South
Every year Hells Angels from across Canada gather for the club’s Canada run and this year Saskatoon is the likely destination.
The run, expected for July, could bring up to 250 Hells Angels to the city, as this event involves 29 chapters from coast-to-coast.
Len Isnor, detective sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police biker enforcement unit and an expert on outlaw motorcycle gangs said the run serves a number of purposes for the club and that includes sending a message to other outlaws.
“The gatherings have many reasons,” said Isnor. “What it does is basically send a message to the community and also to the criminal culture, ‘this is their town, this is the strength that we have and we can call upon the strength when we need it’.”
“It’s a show of force,” he said, later adding motorcycle gangs are “very territorial.”
“It’s a message to other gangs basically saying, ‘this is the Hells Angels, our organization is in over 30 countries, over 400 chapters with 4,000 members worldwide—this is what we have in Canada and this is what we can call upon at anytime’.”
Alongside a showing of strength the rally also serves as a chance for members to communicate away from police surveillance.
“They fear we may be able to intercept other means of communication, so they always feel safe when they communicate face-to-face,” said Isnor.
Cst. TishaRae Stonehouse with the Saskatoon Police Service said they’re aware ”something is in the works,” in terms of the run, but said the SPS is still seeking commitment in terms of dates from the Saskatoon chapter of the Hells Angels.
“Nothing has been confirmed,” said Stonehouse. “We’re really waiting for a firm commitment from that organization regarding dates.”
She continued, “We’ll continue to approach it as we would any large event in the city.”
Saskatchewan is home to two chapters of the Hells Angels as both the Saskatoon and Regina chapters are currently active.
The Hells Angels Saskatoon chapter could not be reached for comment before deadline.
