Hundreds of Hells Angels bikers expected in Surrey, B.C., over the weekend, police warn
Bikers in town for founding member's celebration of life
Police are warning the public that there will be a "significant outlaw motorcycle gang presence" in and around Surrey, B.C., from Thursday to Sunday.
The Surrey Police Service said a gathering was planned to pay respect to Rick Ciarniello, a founding member of the Hells Angels in B.C.
Ciarniello died at age 80 in New Westminster on March 13, according to an obituary published in the Vancouver Sun.
Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton told CBC News the event could be one of the largest gatherings of outlaw motorcycle gang members the province has ever seen.
More than 700 Hells Angels bikers were expected to ride from Coquitlam to Surrey on Thursday starting at 11:30 a.m. PT, police said.
Houghton said they expect the Hells Angels and their supporters to attend various functions over the weekend to remember Ciarniello.
The police service said it has staffed additional officers throughout the weekend, particularly at bars and restaurants in Surrey, "to prevent any gang-related incidents."
Houghton noted Hells Angels members work "somewhat co-operatively" with police.
"Some people might be surprised at that, but they recognize the impact that this is going to have on traffic," Houghton said, noting it can be overwhelming for drivers to see such a significant number of bikers on the road around them.
Houghton said part of motorcycle gang culture is to wear gang paraphernalia, called "colours," including leather vests with emblems and names.
"They have a certain aura and persona about them, which can be very off-putting to people."
He said their presence can create some public anxiety.
"If you see them out there, just have some awareness," Houghton said.
He said there will be extra police officers on duty this weekend around the region.
"You should probably expect if there's groups of bikers, there's a pretty good chance that police will be somewhere nearby," he said.