Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu: A big hell’s party under close watch

The founding anniversary of the Montreal chapter of the Hells Angels continued under heavy police surveillance in St-Charles-sur-Richelieu on Saturday.

• Read more: 45^e Montreal Chapter Anniversary: ​​Big Hells Party All Weekend

Unmarked cars and license plates from other provinces were seen on the streets of the small municipality of Monterrey in the afternoon marking the 45th anniversary of the founding of the organization’s first chapter in Canada.

Hundreds of bikers had planned to take part in the event, which required a heavy police presence, especially at restaurants and bars in the area.

More than 200 guests present at the venue have been identified by the police. The watch is expected to continue till Sunday evening.

“It’s important for us to reassure people. When they see hells eating in a restaurant, it’s reassuring to see a policeman,” explained an agent of the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), which is responsible for tracking the bikers’ ghosts.

On Saturday, police officers issued a “caution” to members appearing in public with jackets bearing the image of Hells or supporters’ clubs.

Fully booked hotels

At least five hotels in Montérégie were reached Newspaper were full Hotel Rive Gauche and Motel Le Transit do not accept reservations; Their rooms were mostly occupied by bikers.

On Saturday evening, at least five unmarked cars blocked the path of Hells Angels shuttles for a police raid on 4th Avenue North. About fifty vehicles were also parked in front of the South Chapter hideout.

As the sun set, the place rocked to the crazy tunes of the orchestra.

“We are setting up a police roadblock and we are checking everyone who passes by. We are keeping an eye on them,” said the policeman, who was not authorized to speak to the media.

A large black canvas was installed at the entrance to the courtyard to prevent police and curious people from seeing what was going on inside. A white tent was also set up to welcome members from across Canada.

Fewer violations

In 2018, more than 300 crime reports were issued during the large “Canada Run” rally at the same Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu hangout. However, police expect a lot less to be handed over in December.

“In the summer, we always expect more crimes to be committed because motorcyclists come on motorcycles. In the winter, this weekend, hells come by shuttle with designated drivers, so we submit fewer reports,” the agent said.