OFF THE WIRE
Source: metro.us
Pennsylvania - Already reeling from flash mobs, city police have another concern to deal with in Center City this weekend: biker gangs.
The wildly popular 12th annual Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention, which returns Friday through Sunday, was marred last March by a fight between motorcycle gang members just outside the Sheraton at 17th and Race streets.
"We're doing no 'MC colors' this year by order of the local police and hotel," convention organizer Troy Timpel said Thursday, referring to the color patches worn by different biker gangs.
As if flash mobs weren't enough to deal with, officers will again closely monitor the Center City convention. Undercover officers last year saw a skirmish break out between Pagans and Outlaws, which included about 20 brawlers before some 30 officers arrested them and recovered some handguns.
The city's new approach to flash mobs is similarly proactive in the aftermath of three flash mobs since February, and Timpel described the bikers' fight at the convention much like Mayor Michael Nutter described flash mob participants.
"There were 20 motorcycle enthusiasts who got in a minor scuffle and left the hotel. They were fighting amongst themselves," Timpel said. "It was bad publicity."
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