Hells Angels started brawl that led to shooting, prosecutor says

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Hells Angels members started a bar fight that led to a shooting during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, according to Meade County State’s Attorney Jesse Sondreal.

An investigation shows the Hells Angels “instigated the assault” in a fight with the Iron Pigs, another motorcycle club, at the Loud American Roadhouse in Sturgis, Sondreal said in an e-mail.

Witnesses and authorities have said the two clubs got into a fight just before the Aug. 9 shooting.

The Iron Pigs, a national motorcycle club, is composed of police and firefighters.

Seattle police Detective Ronald Smith, an Iron Pigs member, is accused of shooting Hells Angel member Joseph Patrick McGuire, 33, who was hospitalized.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Smith, 43, has said he was attacked and that he fired in self-defense.

A grand jury has charged both Smith and McGuire, an Imperial Beach, Calif., native, with felony aggravated assault and a misdemeanor alternative count of simple assault. They can only be convicted of one of the charges.

Smith also faces a felony charge of perjury and a misdemeanor of carrying a concealed pistol without a permit.

Three other Iron Pigs members were indicted on weapons charges, as was another man with unknown affiliations.

Others charged include Scott Lazalde, 38, of Bellingham; Dennis McCoy, 58, of Seattle; Erik Pingel, 35, of Aurora, Colo.; and James Rector, 37, Ferndale.

Each has been accused of misdemeanors — carrying a concealed weapon without a permit or an alternative of failing to abide by a permit of a reciprocal state.

Lazalde and Rector are members of the U.S. Customs and Border Inspection in Blaine. McCoy is a precinct patrol sergeant in Seattle. Pingel’s occupation and motorcycle club affiliation were not known.

McGuire is the only confirmed Hells Angels member to face criminal charges.

His medical condition is unknown, but a relative told a Seattle newspaper he is out of intensive care and recovering from gunshot wounds in his stomach and leg.

Sondreal said others might be charged in the case.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Aaron Weinstock uses an x-ray machine toy inside the Imagine Children Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

The federal grant supports a program that brings free science lessons to children throughout rural Snohomish County.

Snohomish County 911 Executive Director Kurt Mills talks about the improvements made in the new call center space during a tour of the building on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster

The $67.5 million facility brings all emergency staff under one roof with seismic upgrades, wellness features and space to expand.

Everett
Five arrested in connection with Everett toddler’s 2024 overdose death

More than a year after 13-month-old died, Everett police make arrests in overdose case.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Everett Historic Theater owner Curtis Shriner inside the theater on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Historic Everett Theatre sale on horizon, future uncertain

With expected new ownership, events for July and August will be canceled. The schedule for the fall and beyond is unclear.

Traffic moves across the US 2 trestle between Everett and Lake Stevens on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington climate goals jeopardized by U.S. Senate vote

The U.S. Senate revoked waivers allowing Washington to mandate strict vehicle emission standards

The Everett City Council on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett City Council approves apprenticeship ordinance

The new ordinance builds upon state law, requiring many city public works contracts to use at least 15% apprentice labor.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Stanwood in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Stanwood nears completion of deployable floodwall

The new floodwall will provide quick protection to the downtown area during flood conditions.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

Steven M. Falk / The Philadelphia Inquirer / Tribune News Service
James Taylor plays Sunday and Monday at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
A&E Calendar for May 22

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Members of Washington State patrol salute the casket of slain trooper Chris Gadd during a memorial cremony on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Opening statements begin in trial of man charged in crash of WSP trooper

Deputy prosecutor described to jurors what began as a routine patrol for Christopher Gadd — “until it wasn’t.”

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.