A police checkpoint has been established in Whitby, Ont., as numerous Hells Angels members from across Canada are anticipated to gather there this weekend.
Durham police Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss stated that officers have set up the checkpoint on Baldwin Street to make sure that everyone passing through is following the Highway Traffic Act.
“We’re checking for any sort of sobriety. We’re checking for people being properly class in the licence,” she added.
Baldwin Street north of Columbus Road will remain closed until 9 p. m. Sunday, allowing only local traffic access.
Read more: Hells Angels procession makes its way through York Region, Toronto
Hundreds of Hells Angels Motorcycle Club members from all over Canada are expected in the area throughout the weekend for the “2022 Canada Run,” which is an annual gathering of Hells Angels members nationwide.
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Their main gathering point will be at the clubhouse of the Brooklin Hells Angels chapter on Baldwin Street.
“Nothing criminal has happened. We have no indication that anything criminal will happen,” Bortoluss said.
“We are here because it’s a large-scale event. We’re expecting a lot of people and we’re here to ensure the safety of the public.”
Bortoluss also mentioned that if anyone notices illegal activity that’s not urgent, Durham Regional Police has a dedicated tip line and email address available on their website.
TODAY until Sunday: due to a large-scale event involving the Hells Angels MC this weekend, Highway 12/Baldwin Street north of Columbus will be closed from Friday, July 22 @4am to Sunday, July 24 @9pm. Only local traffic can access. Detour signs will be posted. See map below. pic. twitter. com/i7Ce8sxnk Q
– Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) July 22, 2022
This week, Deputy Chief Dean Bertrim from Durham Regional Police Service was among several officials who held a press conference informing the public about what they could expect during this weekend’s event.
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“On the weekend of July 22nd to 24th, which is obviously this Friday to Sunday, the Brooklin chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club will host a site for an event they are calling the 2022 Canada Run,” Bertrim said.
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“We anticipate hundreds of motorcycle club members from across Canada to converge in our region.”
He noted that the event would take place at a residence in Brooklin – part of Whitby – and could see attendance from up to 1,000 members.
“While there’s a focus on activities being hosted at Brooklin location, we know that Hells Angels members will be moving around throughout our entire region visiting accommodations and hospitality venues,” Bertrim added.
Read more: Hells Angels members from across Canada expected to gather in Durham Region this weekend
“On behalf of Chief (Todd) Rollauer and our team, I want to reassure the community that our service is well aware of this event and has put together a comprehensive operational plan with support from provincial biker enforcement unit along with our local and national partners.”
He stressed officers would adopt “a zero-tolerance approach” towards any illegal behavior.
“We have already seen supporters of Hells Angels Motorcycle Club on social media belittling this situation and questioning why we’re treating it seriously while feeling they’re unfairly represented,” Bertrim said.
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“Let me clarify today: they are an organized crime group who have repeatedly shown they’re involved in various crimes including drug trafficking, illegal gambling, human trafficking, firearms offenses and acts of violence committed by their members or associated clubs.”
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Bertrim mentioned he didn’t want to incite fear by detailing what might occur over the weekend but expressed he feels “a responsibility” to keep our community informed with accurate information.”
“Rest assured our main priority during this event (is) ensuring everything goes smoothly and safely for everyone,” he said.
Det. Insp. Scott Wade from Ontario Provincial Police pointed out normally events like Canada Run aren’t “a significant public safety risk,” but advised against interacting with “outlaw motorcycle club riders.” p >
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This weekend’s gathering in Durham Region follows a memorial procession held by Hells Angels traveling from Newmarket to Toronto on Thursday honoring Donny Petersen, head of Toronto’s chapter who passed away in December 2021.
A group of bikers gather outside an east-end storefront in Toronto following a procession honoring longtime Toronto Hells Angels member Donny Petersen who died late last year on Thursday July 21st ,2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
This is where every member affiliated with Hells Angels & their associates are being stopped before heading toward their clubhouse just north off Baldwin St & Columbus Rd where bikers convene ahead offthe Canada Run @DRPS @OPP_News pic. twitter. com/i Cq5af K4b1 P >
– Catherine Mc Donald (@cmcdonaldglobal) July22 ,2022 P >
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