OFF THE WIRE
Thousands of members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club may descend on the Bridgeport-Stratford area this weekend to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the group`s Bridgeport chapter.
Neither Stratford nor Bridgeport police spokesmen returned telephone calls seeking comment, but Sgt. J. Paul Vance, spokesman for the State Police, confirmed that law enforcement in the region is bracing for a Hells Angels weekend.
"We are aware (of the gathering)," he said.
"We`ve been in contact with Stratford and Bridgeport. There are certain intelligence things that were put in place, but Stratford and Bridgeport are going to handle it."
A source said local police want to avoid publicity about the bikers arrival. The source put the number of bikers expected at "thousands." However, a manager at an area store that sells motorcycle products, put the number at "a few hundred." th"I`ve already met someone from Finland," he said. The manager, who is not a member of the club, asked that his name not be used.
The main event of the weekend is a Saturday night party at the Odd Fellows Gallery in Stratford, sources said. A manager at the gallery said she had the space rented, but she didn`t know to whom.
While sometimes associated with violence and drugs, the Hells Angels are also known for....
