This story has been updated with new information from police.
PAWTUCKET, RI (WPRI) – Tensions in the world of outlaw biker gangs have reached a fever pitch in Rhode Island.
Law enforcement in New England was put on high alert Saturday when Massachusetts State Police issued a warning to area law enforcement agencies about an outlaw Pagan Motorcycle Club fundraiser. The Pagans’ weekend meeting is worrying because they are in conflict with the notorious Hells Angels and violence has erupted between the two clubs in recent months.
Target 12 has learned that a shooting in Pawtucket may be connected to warring factions. A massive police response descended on Lafayette Street in Pawtucket after a person was shot in the face Saturday night.
According to Pawtucket Police, a member of the Pagan Motorcycle Club was shot while outside the clubhouse around 10pm Saturday night.
Police said Sunday that the victim, a 49-year-old man, is in critical condition.
Two members of the MC were questioned by the police. One is being charged with weapons violations, the other was released without charge, according to Detective Sergeant Theodore Georgitsis.
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Witnesses at the scene said the incident happened while there was a rally of cyclists. A skid steer truck was later seen taking a motorcycle away from the scene.
Pawtucket police said RI State Police, Providence Police and Cranston Police provided assistance at the scene.
According to a Massachusetts State Police internal intelligence document obtained by Target 12, a meeting of the Pagan Motorcycle Club was planned this weekend to raise money after a May “ambush” in which several people being assaulted in Fall River.
“This incident is believed to be directly related to the long-standing feud between the Pagan Angels and the Hells,” the intelligence said.
Providence police were put on alert because the Rhode Island Hells Angels Hells Angels chapter is located on Messer Street in the city. Sources say there may have been shots fired in the neighborhood but no one called the police to report the incident.
Sources say the incident may be retribution for a May incident in which seven people were transported after a massive brawl between rival motorcycle clubs on Pleasant Street in Fall River. Pagans’ social media posts cited the attack as part of their fundraiser.
#BREAKING A Pawtucket police officer confirming that someone has been shot and taken to the hospital. A tow truck has just arrived at the scene and is taking away a motorcycle that units were looking for at the scene. More tonight @wpri12 pic.twitter.com/JhJMsvEMYC
— WPRI’s Matt Paddock (@MattPaddockTV) July 17, 2022
Tim White (twhite@wpri.com) is the managing editor of Target 12 and the chief investigative reporter for 12 News and the host of Newsmakers. Connect with him Twitter i Facebook.
