Hells Angels, other outlaw motorcycle clubs expected for 'Canada-wide' gathering in Windsor: police

Windsor police are advising the public of a planned “Canada-wide get-together” of outlaw motorcycle gang members and associates in Windsor-Essex this week, but note there is no current concern for public safety. The event scheduled for July 16 to July 19 is expected to attract more than 750 people linked to the Hells Angels and [...]

Windsor police are advising the public of a planned “Canada-wide get-together” of outlaw motorcycle gang members and associates in Windsor-Essex this week, but note there is no current concern for public safety. The event scheduled for July 16 to July 19 is expected to attract more than 750 people linked to the Hells Angels and other outlaw motorcycle gangs from across Ontario and Canada, police said. The community can expect an increased police presence during this time as officers monitor activities and respond to public safety concerns, Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley told reporters Monday.

“Right now, there’s no public safety concern,” Crowley said. “There’s no intelligence that there’s going to be any issues. And typically, the members of these groups, they keep to themselves and they really don’t want any trouble either.”

The Windsor Police Service is partnering with the Ontario Provincial Police and the OPP-led Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU) to monitor the event. Crowley said residents can expect some additional traffic and hold ups over the four-day period, as well as an increased presence of motorcycle members. After an initial media release on Monday morning by Windsor police drew strong reactions on social media, Windsor police shared a follow-up media release to clarify that the gathering is not associated with charitable organizations such as Hogs for Hospice, which is scheduled to have its own gathering from July 31 to August 2.

“The gathering that police will monitor involves members and associates of outlaw motorcycle gangs, including the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and other affiliated groups,” police said. “The Hells Angels have been long recognized as a criminal organization by the Supreme Court of Canada,” police said. “This designation is based on evidence presented in criminal cases involving the organization.”

“Our focus remains on public safety and addressing criminal activity wherever it occurs,” police said. Crowley said the gathering of outlaw motorcycle members will likely be one of the biggest ever organized in Windsor. Crowley said that while some outlaw groups have historical links to organized crime, gatherings of members – as is expected across Windsor – is not illegal.

“We let them gather, we let them go to restaurants,” Crowley said. “There’s no authority to stop that. The businesses wouldn’t want that.

They’re paying customers just like everybody else.” Police are encouraging drivers to plan ahead, use caution, and follow posted signage and directions from officers. Anyone who witnesses suspicious, dangerous, or criminal activity is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service’s non-emergency line at 519-258-6111.

In an emergency, call 911.