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Hells Angels gathering starts to fill Cody - By Mark Heinz
This document was published online on Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Anticipating as many as 1,500 Hells Angels in Cody this week, law enforcement has enlisted help from the Department of Homeland Security and National Guard.
Standing in the doorway of the former law enforcement center and armed with a rifle, Sgt. Evan Bock of the Guard's Cheyenne-based 115th Field Artillery Brigade said some of his unit were sent only to control access to and from the building.
“You won't see us out patrolling the streets,” he said.
He added the Guardsmen were sent by order of Gov. Dave Freudenthal.
About 35 soldiers and airmen from the Wyoming Army and Air National Guard have been sent to Cody, Guard spokesman Deidre Forester said.
“They are from different units around the state,” she said.
She confirmed the Guard was not sent to patrol the streets.
“They are there to help out with some site security at a few specific locations,” Forester said.
There was no official tally of the number of Homeland Security personnel available July 26, said Lee Haines, who is law enforcement's spokesman during the Hells Angels World Run.
A Blackhawk helicopter at Yellowstone Regional Airport has been brought in by the federal agency.
“Homeland Security came in in to help us with the logistics. The helicopter is available for law enforcement use if needed,” Haines said.
It might be used to move officers quickly between locations, he said.
Responding to a widespread public perception that officers have been pulling over many locals and tourists, Haines said that's probably true.
“They are just being extra cautious,” he added. “Any time officers see a traffic violation, they are going to make a stop.”
Haines said he does not know how many stops have been made or how many tickets issued.
Extra officers from all around Wyoming and neighboring states are present, but under command of local authorities, he said.
“Those are the parameters of our mutual aid agreement,” he said.
In recent days law enforcement vehicles have been observed traveling in convoys of three-five cars on most highways leading into Cody.
Regarding one specific incident since the Hells Angels started to arrive, Haines said club members found locally produced T-shirts bearing the message “Hells Angels World Run” to be in violation of copyrights the motorcycle club holds on its name and accompanying logo.
Members of the Hells Angels spoke to the person who was producing the T-shirts, gathered up all the shirts they could find and disposed of them, Haines said.
Club members have been observed in many Cody businesses, frequenting Granny's for breakfast, the Silver Dollar and other downtown stores, bars and restaurants.
A number of the bikers have visited the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, were “quite polite” and seemed to gravitate to the Cody Firearms Museum, according to one onlooker. Many have also attended the nightly gunfight show at the Irma Hotel and then stayed on at the hotel's Silver Saddle Saloon. Others have enjoyed the Cody Nite Rodeo.
A large party tent has been set up on the west side of Ponderosa Campground and club members have established a compound there.
The Cody Ministerial Association and a Christian riding ministry are offering a free pancake breakfast daily for Hells Angels and members of the public. It's at the bandshell in City Park beginning at 7 a.m. and will be offered through Sunday.
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codie wrote on Jul 11, 2007 1:42 AM: