Angels, Vagos Bike Gangs Fight Over Ariz.

OFF THE WIRE
Expert: Territory At Issue

CHINO VALLEY, Ariz. -- In the world of outlaw motorcycle clubs, power and territory are everything. But the most notorious motorcycle club in the world may be having trouble staking its claim on Arizona.

Outlaw biker experts said the Hells Angels, which have long considered the state their territory in the biker world, are having increasing trouble with other gangs moving in. Most recently, it was the Vagos who flexed their muscles during a shootout in Chino Valley. That flexing may not be over.

“They have coexisted sometimes, but the temperature has gone up lately,” said Steve Trethewy, a former Department of Public Safety outlaw biker investigator, who now works as the field coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Information Network.

Trethewy told CBS 5 News that the Vagos have an established chapter in Lake Havasu, but the Hells Angles control the rest of the state, with chapters in Flagstaff, Cave Creek, Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson. Trethewy said lately, however, the Vagos have become more visible in Hells Angels territory.

“There’s no doubt they’ve grown in Arizona, and along with that growth, there seems to be a little more violence involved,” Trethewy said.

Over the past two years, the Angles and Vagos have fought in Mesa, Prescott, Bullhead City and Chino Valley. It was the last incident that made headlines across Arizona.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies said the Angels and Vagos fired 50 shots at each other during a gun fight on Aug. 21, in a rural, but residential area.

“We always knew there were Hells Angels and motorcycle people around. That’s what this place is. That’s what the wild west is about,” said Frank Oddo, who did not witness the shooting, but said he saw the law enforcement response.

“The response was huge. That’s what surprised me, living in such a rural area. The response was quick,” said Oddo.

No innocent bystanders were hurt, but authorities said that was just luck.

“Whether it’s in a bar or out on the highway somewhere, the potential is there,” said Trethewy. He went on to say it was impossible to know whether these eruptions of violence will continue, or lead to something worse. He did say he doubts the tension will ease up any time soon.

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