Firebomb suspects charged, further arrests expected in gang turf war

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This article was published 14/07/2011 (5392 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG – Police have arrested two men after an attempted firebombing at an Osborne Village tattoo parlour, and charged one of the suspects in connection with another blaze at a used car dealership.

The arrests are the first in an ongoing turf war between the Rock Machine and Hells Angels and their supporters from the Redlined Support Crew.

Winnipeg Police Service Const. Jason Michalyshen said despite the arrests, police are still concerned about the possibility of escalating violence.

“I think it’d be naive for us to say that this is over,” said Michalyshen. “This is ongoing and we’re not letting up in any way, shape or form.”

Officers arrested the 23-year-old and 33-year-old suspects near 187 Ink at 177 Osborne Street early Wednesday after the attempted firebombing. The two men have ties to the Rock Machine gang, said a source.

The business suffered about $2000 damage after a thick glass window on the tattoo parlour’s front door was broken in the attempted firebombing. While the owner of 187 Ink said he is not a gang member, the business had former ties to the Hells Angels.

It was the latest of 13 incidents since mid-June police said are linked to the ongoing gang war. Other gang-motivated attacks have left homes riddled with bullets and buildings damaged by fire, and a was 14-year-old boy injured in a shooting on Taft Crescent.

“From our perspective, I think things have already escalated already. I think it’s sheer luck that we haven’t had further injuries or even fatalities as a result of some of these violent acts,” said Michalyshen.

“I can assure you that further arrests are pending,” said Michalyshen.

Police also laid charges against the 33-year-old suspect in connection with a firebombing early Sunday at DC Automotive on St. Mary’s Road. Witnesses told the Free Press two men went up to the used car dealership and hurled fiery material at it, then took off.

Svenn Tergesen, DC Automotive’s owner, said his business is recovering in the wake of about $200,00 damage from the fire.

He said he doesn’t know the man who was charged. Sales have slowed at the dealership after the fire, but Tergesen’s hopeful “this is all over.”

“It’s been amazing how many customers I’ve had pull in to say, ‘How can we help you?,’” he said.

Taylor Brett Morrison, 23, is charged with arson – damage to property, possession of incendiary material, and possession of an of an explosive device.

Shaine Gerald Stodgell, 33, is charged with arson – damage to property, and possession of an incendiary material. Stodgell is also charged with arson – damage to property for the fire Sunday at DC Automotive.

Both men are in custody.

gabrielle.giroday@freepress.mb.ca