Police track leads in shooting near motorcycle club
10/10/09 | 36 comments

Police track leads in shooting near motorcycle club


By Christopher Cousins
BDN Staff
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER COUSINS
Maine state troopers on Friday guard the scene of a shooting that occurred Thursday night outside the Hell’s Angels motorcycle club on Route 23 in Canaan. Gary Watson, 63, of Madison had surgery at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor and was listed in “critical but stable condition” late Friday morning. Lt. Gary Wright said the shooting occurred in the driveway, just outside the gate shown above. Buy Photo

CANAAN, Maine — Police are investigating multiple leads after a Madison man was shot Thursday evening outside a Hell’s Angels motorcycle club on Route 23, which is known locally as Hinckley Road.

Gary Watson, 63, was taken by LifeFlight helicopter to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor where he underwent surgery overnight, according to Lt. Gary Wright, who heads the criminal division for the Maine State Police. Wright said Watson was in “critical but stable condition” Friday night.

A neighbor of the motorcycle club called 911 at 5:36 p.m. to report shots fired, said Wright. That neighbor, who declined to be identified in the newspaper because she “doesn’t want trouble” with anyone involved in the incident, told the Bangor Daily News on Friday that she had just finished supper when she heard “at least six shots.”

The woman, who at first assumed the shots were fired by hunters or someone sighting in a gun, said she left her home, yelling to whoever could hear her that the shots were too close. That’s when she heard tires squealing and saw Watson’s truck parked across the centerline of Hinckley Road. The woman said she knows Watson and recognized his black Dodge Dakota. Neighbors said Watson is seen frequently at the property and may reside there or be a caretaker for the property.

“No one was helping him so I drove my car up there,” said the woman. “I asked him if there was a gun involved, and he nodded yes. He couldn’t talk. He didn’t look good at all.”

The woman said two motorists stopped to help and that she called police using her cell phone. She said she saw multiple holes in the rear window and driver’s side mirror of Watson’s truck, which appeared to be bullet holes, and that it appeared that Watson had been shot in the neck.

The motorcycle club building, which neighbors say is a former butcher shop, is set back from the road behind a chain-link fence with a heavy gate blocking the driveway. On Friday, the dirt driveway outside the gate was marked with orange and white spray-painted lines that apparently had been applied by investigators. A pair of spinout marks caused by the tires of a vehicle also could be seen.

Wright said the shooting took place outside the gate that blocks the driveway and that Watson was in his truck when he was shot. Detectives believe the suspect or suspects fled the scene in a vehicle traveling south on Hinckley Road toward Hinckley.

“We have information from different people coming in that may have a bearing on the investigation,” said Wright. “We certainly aren’t overlooking the fact that it might be related to another rival motorcycle gang. That’s something to consider based on the circumstances.”

Wright said the involvement of another gang is one of several scenarios being investigated, but he declined to say whether there is evidence that establishes that link.

“We’re not going to release a lot of details at this point,” said Wright. Hinckley Road was blocked with the help of Fairfield and Clinton police officers until about 4 a.m. Friday, Wright said.

The woman who called 911 and her husband described Watson as a friendly person “who liked to talk about the world.” They said they had never had a problem with the nearby motorcycle club, which they estimated had been in operation for five years. Its members have always been “quiet and respectful,” said the neighbors.

Lt. Wright urged anyone who was in the area of the shooting Thursday evening to contact a Maine State Police detective by calling 624-7076.

“We need people to call if they have any information about vehicles or individuals in that driveway or in the vicinity,” said Wright.

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Comments
36 comments on this item
On 10/10/09 at 4:00 AM, noreasternelly wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

hopefully this guys gonna make it to expose who shot him. if the law doesnt get ya than, i guess maybe we know who will.

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On 10/10/09 at 7:22 AM, RussHermon wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

God's Speed on a healthy recovery Gary. Your friends are many...Our prayers are with you

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On 10/10/09 at 7:31 AM, jonsprag1 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I suspect that the victim was a member of the M/C club--that being the case, the police shouldn't waste much time with this matter. The Hell's Angels will probably handle it themselves. Hopefully no innocent bystanders will be in the way.

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On 10/10/09 at 7:46 AM, f4driver555 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

As a former investigator of "outlaw" motorcycle gangs, and The Outlaws and Hells Angles in particular, I was astonished by the remark in this article that Watson was beleived to be the "caretaker" of the H/A clubhouse.

To those of us who know, the H/A's DO NOT permit ANYONE on their property unless he is a "patched" H/A member, a probate or "associate" and even then, if he was a "probate" or an "associate" he would be accompanied by a patched H/A member.

And, I would just about gaurantee that the shooter was a member of a rival motorcycle gang.

Stand by, this is only the beginning.

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On 10/10/09 at 8:28 AM, havvey wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Knowing a bit about them as f4 said it is not going to be good especially if it was a rival gang. Maine does not need this.

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On 10/10/09 at 9:49 AM, dogman wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

A gang warwould the state of Maine good. Now the state will have more reasons to hire more law enforcement people, not that there isn't enough now.

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On 10/10/09 at 10:26 AM, Woody1 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

"Hopefully no innocent bystanders will be in the way."

They don't CARE if innocent bystanders are in the way.

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On 10/10/09 at 10:39 AM, Bangorean wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

If f4 had a clue, he'd have used the word "prospect." So he's bullcrapping you on his knowledge of things red and white.

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On 10/10/09 at 10:50 AM, ClydeDurp wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Bangorean, Law Enforcement does use the words probate or associate in their reports regarding M/C's and other organizaations being watched for RICO violations. So wether he's bs-ing or not. His words aren't misplaced.

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On 10/10/09 at 11:07 AM, Bangorean wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

RICO can be twisted to apply to almost anything at the convenience of the U.S. Atty. This very well could be a hit from - I won't name 'em - club. Also note that the members have been respectful of their neighbors, with no problems in years, even with LEO's spying on them constantly, crapping in the bushes. And I've never known an LEO who couldn't fabricate probable cause when necessary. Reasonable suspicion is a cinch.

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On 10/10/09 at 12:13 PM, f4driver555 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Clydedurp,

Thank you sir. Good to know that there's more than one of us out here who know's what's going on. If the gentleman Bangorean truly knew, he would have known that "prospect" is the word on the bottom(or top in some cases) rocker of a probate's vest, which cannot be referred to as a "patch" until the probate is actually "patched" in a formal "ceremony" after sucessfully completeing his probationary period.

So much for one's knowledge of things "red and white".

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On 10/10/09 at 1:15 PM, freewill wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Yet another group of people who haven't evolved sufficiently to revere life and solve differences in a peaceful manner.

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On 10/10/09 at 1:24 PM, Bumfuzzle wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I read in the Kennebec Journal that the H/A are scheduled to have a chowder & chili cook-off there this afternoon. Is this for real? Did I wake up in the Twilight Zone, or is just more brilliant investigative reporting by the KJ?

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On 10/10/09 at 9:24 PM, Bangorean wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Funny. Living with 'em for 10 years in the '70's between here and CA and the word "probate" never came up, but I defer to the "experts." And I'm sure you know what's going on.

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On 10/10/09 at 10:29 PM, SinCity wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

i've never heard the word probate used. only prospect.

and i've read a lot of books on it.

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On 10/10/09 at 10:40 PM, tysmom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I also have never heard the word "probate" only prospect as in "they are prospecting for HA". I have many friends that are Saracens and HA and have only heard it called prospecting!

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On 10/10/09 at 11:06 PM, captainandy wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

"Also note that the members have been respectful of their neighbors,"

Well, we'll just have to put all those gang rapes, grisely murders and meth labs out of our heads then, won't we?

Maybe they will sponsor a toy run in the future for needy children.

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On 10/10/09 at 11:41 PM, movethen wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Sorry people, Probate is used, sometimes in place of Prospect, but not always.

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On 10/10/09 at 11:45 PM, movethen wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

A "hangaround" is someone who is eligible for membership and has been invited to attend club events and runs, but wears no part of the patch. If he is sponsored by a full member and approved by the club members he may wear the bottom rocker and is considered a "prospect" or "probate".

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On 10/11/09 at 4:16 AM, JeffDubay wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

You all deserve each other.

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On 10/11/09 at 6:50 AM, poormainiac wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Right above this box is a line that reads " Post a comment about this story". Please don't try to impress anyone with your knowledge ( or lack of knowledge) of the use of terminology by bikers or cops. What about the story, is this guy still alive, is he or is he not a member of HA. How about a follow up by the BDN.

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On 10/11/09 at 8:52 AM, stewie wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

M/C gangs, street gangs, and lobstermen. All share the same traits. They use violence and intimidation to protect their territoy.

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On 10/11/09 at 9:46 AM, blueskiesaboveme wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

"Eye for an eye, the whole world goes blind." -Ghandi

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On 10/11/09 at 3:25 PM, durbydog wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Is there anything we can do to help Mr. Watson?

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On 10/11/09 at 4:25 PM, Danama wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Hey Stewie not all motorcyle "gangs" use violence and intimidation. You shouldn't run off at the mouth when you don't know from whence you speak.

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On 10/11/09 at 4:32 PM, Jeffrey wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Who cares whether he's called a probate, a prospect, or the head hells angel himself? Is there really any reason for anyone to need to know this? If they're law abiding motorcycle riders who simply like to dress up like pirates to get together, practice their chrome polishing technique, and talk bikes, then good for them. But if this shooting is part of criminal gang related activity, I hope local law enforcement throws the book at all involved. Looking forward to a BDN follow up story on motorcycle gang related activity in Maine and whether it's something we need to be concerned about. Also, best wishes to the shooting victim for a full recovery.

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On 10/11/09 at 6:20 PM, gprixy wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Wishes for speedy and FULL recovery, Gary...from your Greenfield Twp. family...love and prayers from all of us.

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On 10/11/09 at 9:33 PM, stewie wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

On 10/11/09 at 4:25 PM Stuff it Obama

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On 10/12/09 at 4:05 AM, noreasternelly wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

i think this is the first time i even knew the hells angels were even in maine, but i know enough about them, to expect there,ll take care of it themselfs, they only care about who shot there friend, innocent bystanders are just that, and i think they know the difference. hang in there gary.

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On 10/12/09 at 4:09 AM, noreasternelly wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

by the way you guys can leave the lobsterman outta this one!!!!

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On 10/12/09 at 6:01 AM, stewie wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Why, Lobstermen use the same behaviors to protect their trerritory. They destroy property,and use verbal threats and imploy actual physical violence to protect their territory. Classic gangbanger behavior.

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On 10/12/09 at 9:29 AM, listenup wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

We don't need that type BS in Maine, take it back to the city.. Thanks for visiting Maine!!

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On 10/13/09 at 12:41 AM, miamijohn17 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

AS TO WHO WEAR THE COLORS

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On 10/15/09 at 11:16 AM, Clownwatcher wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Hells angels and the men that date hells angels also love to pretend to be women on the internet or on the street . I heard it one way hells angels meet new men to support them. If you like child porn and raping and molesting women and children keep typing your hells angels support her by making fun of clown watcher . Its obvious we have a hells angel here using many different names . I am sure no real people support child porn and harming raping and molesting women and children

Hells angels are stupid to facts and Percentage I guess

Judge it!

Again Hells angels and or the men hells angels date be specific morons give names and percents of clubs you are referring to

I think if you use the excuse all clubs have bad people.

You are a fool that does not understand the meaning of the word PERCENT. 1 out of 100 is 1 percent understand?

THE Hells angels in the USA seem to have a very large percent of members harming molesting and murdering women and children.

I cannot think of any club gang etc priest Etc that has a higher PERCENT of members then USA hells angels that molest harm and murder women and children UNDERSTAND?

I guess thats is why hells angels and or the men they date write stupid comments like this with out using Percent of perps for whom they are revering to.

I guess thats is why hells angels and or the men they date write stupid comments like this below with out using Percent of perps for whom they are revering to.

I saw a priest arrested for child porn and a police officer in Ohio> there are Millions of Priests and Police officer we have only counted 225 hells angels left in the USA and we see them in the newspapers all the time for crimes against women and children

read the first 15 stories in this link about hells angels in the USA in recent years harming raping molesting and murdering women and children.

http://www.topix.com/forum/city/bridgewater-nj/TEE9A849K3QUG7KR8

After those stories I guess a Hells angels or a man that dates Hells angels ran wild in a rage trying to cover up LOL at the Pathetic cover ups attempts of hells angels and or the men hells angels date.

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On 10/15/09 at 11:18 AM, Clownwatcher wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Bikers that support hells angels are all Coward that will go with the largest group and try to blend in regardless of what that group does or stands for., Men that date and Support hells angels prove that everyday when they attend hells angels events .

Its a SAD thing to see mid aged men in support clubs or individually following Hells angels believing they look cool to the outside Non Biker world or the Real Biker world that does not support hells angels.We see hells angels for what they are by what they do and these men look like cowards and freaks for supporting such sewage .

I have noticed real bikers are just as disgusted in the Actions of the hells angels as I am

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On 10/15/09 at 11:23 AM, Clownwatcher wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Maybe if you small town Hells angels support men got out in the real world you would see that the hells angels are the Punks and cowards of the USA Biker world. Hells angels have the largest Percent of members out of any club i can think of that rape molest and murder women and children But when hells angels get beat up and killed in the USA they run for the police. hells angels cannot stand and fight men.Hells angels members are the punks that got picked on in school ganged up with other losers for revenge. That is probably why the hells angels in the USA are famous for harming raping molesting and murdering women and children.

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