Hells Angels descend on Spearfish - KOTA Territory News

Hells Angels descend on Spearfish

Just up the road from rally town, the town of Spearfish is no stranger to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

"It's just a group of guys with a reputation. Hopefully they won't live up to their old reputation," said Robin Crago, a part time Spearfish resident and biker supporter. 

"In law enforcement's point of view, they have a definite criminal element. They do good in the communities they come from, but they do crime as well," said Lieutenant Curt Jacobs of the Spearfish Police department. 

Police say the Days Inn motel has been completely booked by the Hells Angels. In town, you can expect to see 400 to 600 Hells Angels, and that's not including the additional 400 support staff and family members that they've brought with them. 

Police say its been quiet so far, but they're ready for any trouble.

"Our department has gone to longer shifts, 12 hours. We've also doubled up our officers. The US Marshals have also given us 4 officers," said Lt. Jacobs.  

Routine speeding stops are the most common scenario police expect to see over the next few days. But they're taking extra measures to make their presence known.

"One reason we have cover officers is that there are other Hells Angels watching and observing what was happening to their fellow brothers," said Lt. Jacobs of a traffic stop that happened early Thursday.   

Locals, for their part, welcome the traffic, and may have an unique understanding of what it means to ride the open road. 

"They're going to eat, drink, sleep, buy things, buy t–shirts, going to put more money into the economy right there. That can't hurt," said Crago.

"It's just about wind in your hair, they're modern day cowboys," said Biker supporter Kendra Hoff.

Lt. Jacobs says there hasn't been any violence, aside from a few bar fights in Spearfish in many years.
He also urges motorists to be aware of the motorcyclists on the roads and highways.