OFF THE WIRE
The Chino Valley Police Department is making preparations for the upcoming Hells Angels event, billed as the "Chino Valley Shootout and Boxing Smoker," scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 18, at Doreen's Bar, 2879 Arizona Trail.
The event, which will include youth and adult boxing matches and a motorcycle run in the afternoon, is expected to attract more than 150 riders from around the state, many arriving the day before the event.
"In an effort to reduce the number and severity of crashes in which alcohol and or drugs are contributing factors, officers from the CVPD, along with several area agencies will be conducting a Zero Tolerance DUI Saturation Patrol in the Chino Valley area," wrote Cmdr. Mark Garcia in a CVPD press release this past week. "This Saturation Patrol will be occurring on Aug. 17. Extra personnel and patrols will be directing their patrols at apprehending impaired drivers who are operating vehicles on our roadways."
Funding for this operation comes directly from a grant received by the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).
The release also reminded the public to utilize alternative transportation if they plan on drinking.
"The CVPD encourages everyone to not drink and drive but if you choose to drink, drink responsibly and use a designated driver or taxi service to safely arrive home."
Along with the DUI Saturation Patrol alert, the CVPD also issued a statement addressing the boxing event specifically: "The CVPD would like to advise the citizens and visitors to our community that in preparation for the Hells Angels 'Shootout' boxing event occurring this Saturday, the Police Department has organized a multi-jurisdictional group of law enforcement officers from across the state and the tri-city area to assist the department in providing adequate law enforcement staffing and to ensure the safety of the citizens of Chino Valley. The department began preparation for this event last month upon receiving information from the AZDPS Gang Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM) regarding the upcoming Hells Angels event."
The release added that the public should expect to see a "substantial amount of police presence" in the Chino Valley area.
"Law enforcement officers will be conducting extra patrols throughout the Chino Valley area and will be at Doreen's during the event in an effort to deter criminal activity. Criminal activity of any kind will not be tolerated and anyone arrested will be transported to the Yavapai County Jail in Prescott for booking."
The CVPD added a reminder of the 2010 altercation between members of the Hells Angels and Vagos, a rival motorcycle club.
"This weekend marks the 2nd anniversary of the shooting between members of two outlaw motorcycle gangs. Gang members from the Hells Angels and the Vagos exchanged numerous gunshots on Yuma Drive in an unincorporated part Chino Valley," the statement said.
"Well, all I can say is that the charges from 2010 were dismissed. That's all I will say about that," said Larry Scott, who is helping coordinate the event. Scott was one of the members of the Hells Angels originally charged in the 2010 shooting.
"I can't speak for the whole town, but I hope people will use common sense and, if they do drink, that they use a taxi," Scott said. "I already spoke with the Chief (Chuck Wynn, CVPD) and I'm confident we won't have any problems. This will be a chance for people to come on out and have a good time. I spoke with the chief ahead of time, as a show of respect to him, his department, and the town. All I ask is that we receive the same respect from all law enforcement agencies that show up."
Scott added that he has been in contact with local taxi companies that will be offering free local transportation from the event to partygoers, if needed.
The event begins with boxing registration at 8 a.m., with the motorcycle run, which will leave Doreen's at approximately 1 p.m., then cross Highway 89 to Road 4 North, proceed west to Yuma Drive, south on Yuma, then east on Road 3 North. They will then travel north on Highway 89 back to Doreen's.
Scott said he expects at least 100 bikes to participate in the run.
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