Thunder Run postponed in wake of outlaw biker violence

OFF THE WIRE
Thousands of bikers will are all revved up with no where to go this weekend, after the Thunder Run, slated to take place at the Kern County Fairgrounds, was postponed indefinitely. A recent deadly stabbing between two outlaw biker clubs may have prompted the cancellation because of security concerns.

Harley Davidson rider John Liggett was going to have several bikes trucked in from Las Vegas to show off. “[I’d like to have shown my bike. I had a bike to show for this thunder run,” he said.

Belinda Flowers had been planning to go as well. “Disappointed, but understandably so,” Flowers said.

The Thunder Run was cancelled shortly after the Kern County Sheriff's Department warned promoters there could be violence from local outlaw motorcycle clubs, stemming from a deadly stabbing on North Chester Avenue in Oildale on May 30. Roger Violano, 19, was stabbed to death and a 69-year-old man was stabbed and injured.

“We did discuss with the promoters that fact that there might be a need for additional security at the event,” Sheriff’s Department spokesman Ray Pruitt said.

Outlaw bikers are known to go to the Thunder Run. Last year there was a stabbing at the Thunder Run after the event was over, but the victim fled before police arrived, although, that stabbing was never determined to be directly related to outlaw biker gang violence.

While some law-abiding bikers are disappointed there won't be a Thunder Run this weekend, they understand.

"Better safe than sorry," Liggett said.