Police are closely monitoring the resurgence of an outlaw motorcycle gang that once had a strong presence in northern Ontario. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are on alert as Satan’s Choice shows renewed activity, while other biker gangs maintain chapters in the region.
Det.-Insp. Scott Wade of the OPP’s Biker Enforcement Unit emphasized the need to assess the potential risks associated with emerging outlaw motorcycle gangs. The unit, with a three-decade history, collaborates with law enforcement agencies at local and international levels to combat such groups.
Before merging with the Hells Angels in the early 2000s, Satan’s Choice was a prominent motorcycle club in Ontario led by former professional boxer Bernie Guindon. Despite Guindon’s criminal past and imprisonment, his son Harley recently announced the club’s revival, aiming to establish chapters nationwide, including in northern Ontario.
In the past, clashes between Satan’s Choice and law enforcement, like the 1996 bombing incident near a police station in Sudbury, have marked the club’s history of violence. With the reemergence of Satan’s Choice, OPP is keeping a close eye on potential turf wars and conflicts with rival gangs.
Outlaw motorcycle gangs, including Satan’s Choice, have been active in cities such as Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Oshawa, and Hamilton. Det.-Insp. Wade confirmed the presence of several outlaw motorcycle gangs in northern Ontario and highlighted the need for proactive policing to address potential violence.
Sgt. Ryan Ferry of the Edmonton Police Service, a veteran in gang-related crime enforcement, emphasized that outlaw motorcycle gangs pose a significant public safety threat nationwide. These gangs, distinct from recreational riding clubs, engage in criminal activities ranging from drug trafficking to violence.
Ferry highlighted the allure of outlaw motorcycle clubs, cautioning against associating with them due to the criminal risks involved. He warned that individuals drawn to the biker lifestyle may unwittingly become entangled in criminal networks, facing extortion, threats, or involvement in illegal activities.
Ultimately, both law enforcement and experts underscore the dangers of affiliating with outlaw motorcycle gangs, urging the public to understand the criminal implications and risks associated with these groups.