Indictments of 17 members and associates of the Hells Angels were announced on Sept. 25 at a joint press conference on charges they attacked three black men in Ocean Beach in June in a racist incident.
“The Hells Angels are well known to have a despicable streak of racism, especially against black people, exemplified by what happened this summer,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan.
The African-American men, aged 19, 20, and 21, were walking on Newport Avenue on June 6, when one of them spoke to a woman, who happened to be the girlfriend of one of the bikers, that evening, said Stephan.
When word of that interaction occurred, Hells Angels members attacked the trio, and one man was stabbed in the chest, with a knife cracking his sternum.
“It is an absolute miracle that he’s alive,” said Stephan.
A second victim was knocked unconscious, and the third man ran off without injury, she said.
All 17 people were arrested Sept. 21 as part of a long investigation and 42 illegal firearms were seized, according to the District Attorney’s office. All pleaded not guilty on Sept. 25, and at least three people posted bond.
“They were repeatedly called racial epithets and told they didn’t belong in that neighborhood,” said Stephan. “This is our neighborhood. Everyone belongs.”
“These disgusting hate-driven attacks have no place in our community,” said San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit, who was also at the press conference at the Hall of Justice downtown.
“We committed every necessary resource to track down and arrest each person who was involved in these wanton acts of violence,” said Nisleit. “I want to thank our detectives who solved this case, our partner law enforcement agencies for their help, and the District Attorney’s office for their tireless work.”
Troy Andrew Scholder, 43, is the only person charged with attempted murder of the victim who was stabbed. He was identified as a leader and is also charged with committing a hate crime, committing a crime with a criminal street gang, and doing so with pre-meditation.
Scholder and most of the other co-defendants are also charged with three counts of felony assault, and committing a hate crime due to the victim’s race. Three are charged with accessory after the fact, and another person is accused of evading police with reckless driving.
Stephan said one man was sucker punched in the head and kicked all over his body. He curled up on the ground while he was beaten by multiple bikers, Stephan said, and was left unconscious.
A grand jury heard testimony for six days behind closed doors before issuing an indictment. In this procedure, the only attorneys present are prosecutors. There is no preliminary hearing, but if defense attorneys want one in open court, they will have to ask for one.
A trial date was set for Nov. 14, but that is likely to be changed since that is close to Thanksgiving. Another hearing was set for Nov. 3.
On display at the press conference were black leather jackets of the Hells Angels that were adorned with patches that said “Coffin Chasers,” “Brotherhood,” and other statements.
All of the defendants pleaded not guilty and varying amounts of bail figures were set in San Diego Superior Court. One co-defendant appeared in his Navy uniform after posting a bond earlier.
