Monday, August 30, 2010

At Least 4 Injured in Motorcycle Gang Shootout

OFF THE WIRE
By Nicole E. Matthews
myfoxphoenix.com
CHINO VALLEY, Ariz. - At least four people have been injured in a shootout on Saturday that occurred in Chino Valley, a little more than an hour north of the valley, in Yavapai County.

Just after noon on Saturday, witnesses said rival motorcycle gangs started firing guns at each other near or inside a home. At least four people, and possibly a fifth person, were shot.

One person was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital after the shooting, which was reportedly between the Hells Angels and the Vagos Motorcycle Club. Both motorcycle gangs apparently have some members living near each other in the rural area, which has a population of 10,000.

There has been an ongoing power struggle between the two gangs, but up to this point, it was centered in the Kingman area.

SKY FOX was at the scene, along with about 20 Arizona Department of Safety officers and multiple Yavapai County Sheriff's deputies on Saturday afternoon.

It was not yet known Saturday night how many people had been taken into custody, although there were unconfirmed reports of as many as 60 gang members being detained and at least several arrests being made.

Authorities said there were also fears that more bikers could be heading up to Chino Valley to retaliate. At least 12 YCSO units remained near the home Saturday night, trying to keep the peace.

Residents in the area of Road 4 North and Yuma Drive were being asked to stay in their homes Saturday.