OFF THE WIRE
Police say the rally has attracted members of the Hells Angels and outlaw biker gangs, which is why the Mounties have sent members of their gang task force to keep an eye on any potential biker gang activity.
The city of Salmon Arm is swelling up with bikers coming from all over North America for the first ever Sturgis North motorcycle rally.
While organizers are expecting smooth sailing this weekend, RCMP are taking no chances.
Police say the rally has attracted members of the Hells Angels and outlaw biker gangs, which is why the Mounties have sent members of their gang task force to keep an eye on any potential biker gang activity.
Twenty-four members of the Lower Mainlang Gang Unit are in Salmon Arm to keep an eye on gang members but so far, they say the gangs seem to be keeping a low profile.
Police say the first two days of the festival have produced 14 liquor related driving prohibitions.
Ten individuals were arrested for various offences including liquor offences, disturbances, a warrant and a break and enter.
Nine drug seizures were made and one shots fired complaint was registered.
Sturgis North CEO Ray Sasseville says he expects attendance numbers to top 30,000 by the end of the weekend.
While it hasn’t been decided whether the event will be brought back to Salmon Arm next year, Sasseville says it will depend on how badly the city wants it.
The city of Salmon Arm says it would welcome the rally back next year but a lot of it depends on what they see this weekend.
