California - ~Police prepared for Mongols in Azusa, surprised by killings in Pico Rivera~
Police officials said they were on alert on Saturday for outlaw motorcycle gang activity in Azusa, but were taken by surprise when three people were killed and seven others injured at a fundraiser held in Pico Rivera by the Old School Riders motorcycle club, which is not gang affiliated.
Area law enforcement agencies received a "tactical bulletin" over the weekend informing them of a gathering of the Mongol outlaw motorcycle gang in Azusa, officials said.
The Azusa Police Department issued the bulletin that the Mongols was having an event on Saturday at a club on Foothill Boulevard in Azusa.
Members from other outlaw motorcycle gangs, such as the Vagos, were expected to attend.
The Mongols and the Vagos are among more than 300 active outlaw motorcycle gangs across the nation.
Industry Sheriff's Sgt. Gerald Belona said his agency received the tactical bulletin.
Azusa Police did not return calls seeking comment.
The same day, a recreation motorcycle club not affiliated with any gangs hosted a fundraiser at pizza parlor in Pico Rivera.
At the fundraiser, three men were killed and seven people were injured by a Hispanic man who opened fire on the crowd.
Belona says that it is unlikely the incidents are connected.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the Mongols Motorcycle Club, "is an extremely violent (outlaw motorcycle gang) that poses a serious criminal threat to the Pacific and Southwestern regions of the U.S."
The Mongols are engaged in the transportation and distribution of cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine.
A majority of the Mongols membership consists of Hispanic males who live in the Los Angeles area, and many are former street gang members with a long history of using violence to settle grievances.
The Mongols have also maintained their ties with Hispanic street gangs in Los Angeles, according to the Department of Justice.
The Vagos Motorcycle Club has hundreds of members in the U.S. and Mexico and poses a serious criminal threat to those areas in which its chapters are located, according to the Department of Justice.
The Vagos produce, transport and distribute methamphetamine and are also involved in the distribution of marijuana.
Vagos have also been implicated in other criminal activities including assault, extortion, insurance fraud, money laundering, murder, vehicle theft, witness intimidation and weapons violations. In the U.S., the Vagos are mainly active in the Southwest and Pacific regions.
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