Motorcycle Gangs at Anti-Violence Rally

(Los Banos, California) The Victory Outreach Church held an anti-violence rally on Saturday. Gut-level enemies, the Hells Angels and Mongols motorcycle gangs, showed up. What possibly could go wrong?

The event drew about 500 people, said organizer Pastor Chris Castaneda. Bands played Christian rap, vendors sold steak sandwiches, a car show displayed vintage El Caminos. Mayor Tommy Jones attended. Event organizers presented him with a certificate of appreciation.

At 3 p.m. about 10 members of the Mongols rolled up to the far side of the park near Highway 152, Castaneda said. He and members of Victory Outreach's motorcycle ministry, Swords Afire, greeted the bikers. Castaneda explained the event's peaceful mission and invited the Mongols to stay and eat some food.

A few minutes later, the rumble of Harley-Davidson exhaust pipes filled the air as about seven or eight Hells Angels cruised into the area.

"When I saw them pulling into the park, my gut told me it wasn't going to end very well," Castaneda said.

Accounts of how the fight started differ.

Gun shots rang out and the crowd scattered. Los Banos police, the Merced County Sheriff's Department, the Merced County Gang Task Force and the California Highway Patrol responded. A stabbing victim was airlifted to Modesto. Authorities have few leads.

Also: Jawa Report