Oetinger describes Hells Angels incident

Police Chief Tom Oetinger on Thursday informed the three-member Police Commission of a Bike Week confrontation between members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and law enforcement officers that illustrates his concern that "outlaw motorcycle clubs" pose a potential threat to the "potential long-term economic viability" of Laconia's signature event.

In a written report, Oetinger said that on Saturday, June 17 a group of about 15-18 Hells Angels members were drinking at the bar at the Weirs Beach Smokehouse and one of that group was determined to be only 20-years-old. The other members of the group, the chief said, initially refused to allow their compatriot to be detained by police and additional officers were called to the scene to help with the arrest.

Oetinger reported that he believes the "increasing attendance of members of outlaw motorcycle clubs. . .(posses) a unique law enforcement challenge that directly affects the safety of visitors. . .and needs to be addressed in a manner that is legal and reasonable."

The Manchester chapter of the Hells Angels has maintained a significant presence in Laconia for a number of years. The club operates a clubhouse for members at the dead end of Fillmore Ave., off White Oaks Road and the World Run (convention) of the organization was held on that property in 2003.

Club member Ed Shaughnessy, a Laconia resident, currently holds a world-wide Hells Angels leadership position.

Several different Hells Angels chapters have been selling t-shirts and related items from vending booth's during recent Bike Weeks. The gear sold does not include the words "Hells Angels", but instead typically is imprinted with slogans such as "Support your local 81" — "H" being the eight letter of the alphabet and "A" the first.