Washington, Pa. — A Washington County judge dismissed several charges Thursday after a lengthy preliminary hearing regarding a violent incident tied to two rival motorcycle clubs. The hearing lasted more than six hours and centered on an assault that occurred in August at Forty Bar and Grille, where prosecutors allege that members of the War Dogs Motorcycle Club attacked a Pagan Motorcycle Club member.
In total, ten individuals face charges related to the attack, including nine from the War Dogs and one Pagan member who reportedly fired a gun into the air outside the establishment. The courtroom was heavily fortified, with approximately 20 sheriff’s deputies present, an unusual measure for a single case.
During the proceedings, prosecutors described the brutal nature of the assault, which involved the victim being restrained, punched, kicked, and battered with metal pipes. Security footage from that evening was viewed multiple times, offering critical evidence of the events.
Testimony from a bartender present during the attack painted a vivid picture of panic and fear, noting that she and others fled to the basement after attempting to intervene. Defense attorneys countered that the brawl began as a simple fight between two men, asserting that other club members were attempting to disarm the shooter rather than join in on the attack. They contended that the altercation was sparked by a racial slur allegedly used by the Pagan member.
One pivotal moment in the hearing came when a hand gesture purportedly made by one defendant was presented as evidence of incitement. However, defense attorney Steven Valsamidis argued that there is no recognized signal associated with the group, citing a testimony from a prosecution expert.
Testimony also brought to light the violent context between the two clubs. Prosecutors claimed that the fight’s underlying tensions stemmed from the death of War Dogs member Kenneth Hayman, who was fatally shot last year. The complaint claims three members of the Pagan Motorcycle Club were involved in that shooting, intensifying the rivalry.
The case had been sealed prior to the hearing, and the defendants were arrested during a heavy snowstorm last month. A defense attorney noted that the sealed documents increased media interest and public scrutiny.
Following the testimony, the judge opted to dismiss felony charges related to corruption of organizations and robbery. This decision was based on evidence presented indicating that the victim’s firearm was not stolen but rather discarded behind the bar amid the chaos. Nonetheless, several charges remain active as the case moves towards trial.
Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh expressed disappointment over the dropped charges but reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing the case. He emphasized that violent crime will not be taken lightly in the community.
Defense attorneys viewed the judge’s decision as validation of their arguments, suggesting that the altercation stemmed from a conflict between two individuals rather than a broader gang issue. “The judge recognized that this was a dispute unrelated to the affiliations of the individuals involved,” said defense attorney Casey White. The case is set to proceed to trial, highlighting ongoing concerns over violence associated with motorcycle clubs in the region.