Hells Angels skirmish with rival bikers, the Warlocks, and theft of their rival's vest.
Five members of the Warlocks outlaw motorcycle gang in Fort McMurray are accused of stealing a vest from a rival gang member.
Yves Lavigne is an international outlaw motorcycle gang expert.
The Warlocks and the Syndicate are support groups for the Hells Angels.In a news conference Monday, the Mounties reassured the public that they were serious about fighting organized crime in that city, and cited the arrest of five full-patch members as a significant step.
The five Warlocks were armed with pepper spray and brass knuckles when they approached DalePerry in a public place.
Both clubs know what the status of a vest means.They have a lot of pride in their vests.I compare it to a uniform.We hold those in high regard and a lot of it has been earned.Lance said in the interview that the law enforcement review team is from the province.
The world rules for the Hells Angels and the Warlocks have been read by him.Before you give up your vest, you're supposed to fight to the death.
It shows the other club that we are the dominant club.We can take your vest.It's supposed to show the dominance of the clubs.
Lavigne has written more than a dozen books on organized crime.He thinks it speaks volumes about the five men accused of committing what's described in court documents as "the indictable offence or robbery in association with a criminal organization."
Lavigne said that the gesture shows how spineless the punks are.To chase a guy's colors.They wouldn't do it one on one.
Lavigne criticized the use of pepper spray and brass knuckles in the robbery.
"Weapons like that indicate a person is not smart," he said.It's disappointing to be living back east.I would have liked to see some manliness left out west.
The Syndicate is one of about two dozen Hells Angels support groups that are currently operating in the province.
The Warlocks are one of two Canadian chapters of the Florida-based organization.When four members of the third chapter were arrested, the chapter was dismantled.
Lavigne is concerned that someone outside the gangs could get caught in the crossfire.
He said his concern was "collateral damage".Retribution may take place in public since the alleged robbery took place.I don't want to see an innocent person killed.
"These guys should have been kicked out of the province a long time ago by the cops," he said.The cops need to stomp on these guys.
According to the Warlocks' website, their motto is, "To find us, you must be good, to catch us and to beat us."
An award-winning journalist who has covered the courts and crime for more than two decades is located in the city of Edmonton.You can email her at janice.johnston@cbc.ca or follow her on social media.