Bikers across Texas said they have had enough with law enforcement calling them corrupt and criminals. They said since the deadly Twin Peaks shooting happened in May of 2015, there has been a bad stigma attached to their motorcycle clubs.
"We're totally involved in our community, but you never hear about that. All you hear is about is the crap when they bust some of the big boys," Wolverine Motorcycle Club member Mike Drutter said.
More than 100 bikers, including veterans, showed up at Scooters Bar and Grill Sunday in Garland for a Region 2 Confederation of Clubs and Independents meeting.
"The COCI was started for righteous reasons. We work legislative issues, and we work charitable issues," Mel Moss of Sons of Liberty Motorcycle club said.
They also discussed biker's rights, and encouraged bikers to show comradery toward one another. In less than five minutes, they raised $660 in a hat for a biker who is battling health issues. Drutter said despite negative opinions, they are actually good people.
"If a family is in need we're right there for them. If someone gets hurt, we're there for them," Drutter said.
The latest motorcycle news to hit the state of Texas was the mistrial of Dallas Bandido Jake Carrizal. Drutter said since the Twin Peaks shooting, motorcycle clubs have been given a bad rap by both police and the public, and that they are viewed as criminals.
"This whole label of gangs and organized criminal activity is crap. The worst my people do is get arrested for a speeding ticket every now and then," Drutter said.
When Moss heard that the Twin peaks trial was a mistrial, he said was elated. He feels the state presented a weak case and the second trial for Jake Carrizal will have the same outcome.
"Abel Reyna made multiple, multiple blunders along the way. Of course we're not going to tell him what they are. I think he's his own worst enemy,” Moss said.
Moss said after the Twin Peaks shooting happened, bikers started to take a stand. They felt the police were not telling the whole truth about the shooting.
"And it became an issue that we followed and we continue to follow, because we feel that it’s our job to expose the truth of it all,” he said.
SOURCE: KCENTV