Warring bikers kept apart in jail after bloodbath

20 May 2015 - 02:19 By Reuters, Bloomberg

The 170 bikers arrested after a brawl and shoot-out between motorcycle gangs at a Texas restaurant that left nine dead and 18 injured are being kept apart in a county jail to prevent another outbreak of violence. McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said: "We're not going to let them intermingle for the safety of the officers and for the safety of the prisoners."Those arrested come from across the state and are being held on bail of $1-million (about R12-million) each on organised crime charges relating to capital murder.A day earlier, Waco police warned of revenge attacks by the biker gangs after the deadly fight at the Twin Peaks Sports Bar and Grill, a restaurant at which scantily clad waitresses sell bar food and drinks.Bikers from five rival gangs attacked each other with guns, knives, brass knuckles, clubs and motorcycle chains. No bystanders or police officers were injured.Among the gangs involved in the shooting were The Bandidos, which the US Justice Department says has between 2000 and 2500 members in the US and 13 other countries. It is a rival of the better-known Hells Angels."The Bandidos are involved in transporting and distributing cocaine and marijuana and in the production, transportation and distribution of methamphetamine," according to a Justice Department fact sheet.Tension between The Bandidos and their rivals, The Cossacks, came to a head at the meeting in Waco, at which about 200 people were present. The two gangs have been battling for control in the state, which has long been seen as The Bandidos territory.Why did the bikers choose a Twin Peaks restaurant for their mayhem?It might surprise some people to learn that the chain of edgy restaurants are not dives. Twin Peaks CEO Randy de Witt's highly successful formula has been to serve high-quality food and beer.The waitresses wear scanty outfits that make the uniforms in rival Hooters look almost matronly...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.