Hells Angels pulled over west of Winnipeg

Police and RCMP have set up a checkstop west of Winnipeg — just in time to pull over some of the dozens of Hells Angels expected to be driving through the city in the next few days.

Several groups of the bikers were pulled over Wednesday at the checkstop, which is being operated by the Winnipeg police and the Mounties. Officers are basically stopping every vehicle with out-of-province licence plates, looking for outstanding warrants and vehicle violations.

The officers would not say whether they were specifically targeting the motorcycle gang. However, they said they expect members from every Hells Angels chapter east of Winnipeg to drive through the city in the next few days.

The Angels are on their way to Calgary, for the 10th anniversary of the setting up of the Calgary chapter.

Police at the checkstop said the bikers can expect to be stopped on their way.

A few tickets had been issued to motorists for unsafe conditions on vehicles pulled over.

Members of the club appeared to be taking the police checks in stride.

The checkstop will be in place at the weigh station in Headingley, about five kilometres west of Winnipeg, at least for the rest of Wednesday, police said.

It's estimated that there are about 500 full-fledged Hells Angels members in 32 active chapters across the country.