Biker Gang Members to Stand Trial for Wawa Shooting Linked to Rivalry Between Two Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs

In a significant development within Montgomery County, a violent altercation involving members of the Pagans outlaw motorcycle club unfolded at a Wawa convenience store in West Norriton. Prosecutors disclosed that the incident, which occurred on October 17, resulted in six people being shot, including two innocent bystanders. This shocking event has drawn considerable attention to the ongoing conflicts between rival motorcycle clubs.

During a lengthy preliminary hearing held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, seven Pagans members faced serious charges, including aggravated assault, conspiracy, riot, and reckless endangerment. District Judge Marc Alfarano presided over the proceedings, which lasted for several hours due to security concerns arising from the nature of the case.

The individuals who appeared in court included Joel Hernandez-Martinez, 36, George Hripto Jr., 50, and Jason Lawless, 45, all of Bridgeport; Manuel Baez-Santos, 34, of Norristown; Erik Dixon, 33, of King of Prussia; Luke Higgins, 29, of Dauberville; and Justin Noll, 34, of Reading. Two additional Pagans, George Cwienk III, 51, of Bridgeport, and Erik Rosenberger, 46, of East Greenville, are also facing similar charges but had their hearings delayed due to scheduling conflicts with their legal representation.

Assistant District Attorney Bradley Deckel asserted that the Pagans conspired to attack members of the Unknown Bikers, another outlaw motorcycle club, upon discovering them parked at the Wawa. He indicated that, according to the codes of conduct within their subculture, the Pagans felt compelled to retaliate.

Defense attorneys, however, vigorously contested this narrative, arguing that the prosecution’s case lacked concrete evidence and relied heavily on assumptions. They claimed that investigators could not definitively establish the roles of the accused in the tumultuous events. Moreover, defense counsel highlighted that ballistic evidence indicated that 13 out of 14 bullets fired during the altercation came from the Unknown Bikers’ firearms, pointing to potential accountability for their actions.

The violence erupted shortly after 9 p.m. when members of the Pagans surrounded the rival bikers and initiated an assault. The confrontation escalated when the Unknown Bikers returned fire, invoking a chaotic exchange of gunfire that left three Pagans injured and resulted in bystanders being wounded. One man was shot in the face while attempting to find cover, and a woman outside the store sustained a bullet wound to her side.

In a statement emphasizing the aggressive nature of the confrontation, Deckel noted that some Pagans strategically positioned their motorcycles to block escape routes for their targets. This assertion was refuted by defense attorneys, who portrayed their clients as the true victims. They argued that at the first sound of gunfire, their clients fled the scene, undermining the prosecution’s assertion of a coordinated attack.

The motive behind the violent encounter remains a focal point, as Deckel indicated that the Pagans sought tangible symbols of dominance—the “cuts” or denim vests worn by the Unknown Bikers—an important aspect of biker culture. Following the incident, five Pagans were apprehended during a traffic stop in Bridgeport, where evidence of the shooting was allegedly found on their motorcycle.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the complex and often perilous dynamics among outlaw motorcycle clubs, raising questions about safety and accountability in such confrontations. The legal ramifications for the accused Pagans will unfold in subsequent court dates, drawing ongoing scrutiny from law enforcement and the public alike.

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