A fire at a Logan Avenue business one month ago appears to have been the first strike in a series of violent events linked to a conflict between two biker gangs, Winnipeg police said yesterday.
Since then, there have been 12 other reported incidents where homes and businesses were firebombed or shot at, according to a list provided by organized crime officers.
Guns have been seized and an innocent teen boy caught in the crossfire of the ongoing dispute between the Rock Machine and the Redlined Support Crew — a Hells Angels-affiliated gang.
“We have a problem on our hands here,” said Const. Jason Michalyshen. “This is a complex situation we’re dealing with … there are many, many moving parts.”
Police service brass have assigned extra resources from units across the service to try and contain the violence, which police said has escalated.
Police said 15 gang-associates have been arrested for various offences and court-order breaches as part of their efforts.
The latest salvo came early Wednesday when a tattoo parlour in Osborne Village was firebombed. Two were arrested, and a fire didn’t manage to get going. Police didn’t identify the suspects. There were no injuries.
The act of apparent intimidation has left the shop’s owner scratching his head.
“I was kind of stunned,” said 187 Ink owner Wayne Nuytten. He said he was awoken in the early morning by what he called a “curious” call from his alarm company stating the sensor in the shop was set off, but the doors weren’t breached.
“I could see it if I was in a gang or a gang member, but I’m not,” said Nuytten. “A lot of people come in and out of this door.” Nuytten added 187 Ink does not do gang-related tattoos.
He said about $450 damage was done, but that he expected to be back in business by Wednesday afternoon.
City records show in years past business tax notices for the tattoo shop were addressed to a relative of a Hells Angel currently serving prison time.
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