Following Sunday's deadly biker brawl and shooting in Waco, Jefferson County Deputy Rod Carroll is reassuring the community that there while there are several motorcycle clubs in the Golden Triangle, there is a very small chance that a similar incident could happen in the area.
Carroll said that is because there is a big difference between outlaw bike clubs who frequently involve themselves with criminal activity – and motorcycle clubs who are comprised of law abiding citizens.
Carroll said 99% of motorcycle riders abide by the law.
"That could be your doctor, that could be your accountant, that could be your police officer or firefighter," Rod Carroll, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office deputy said. "We have the blue knights and the red knights. These are clubs, there is a dramatic difference between the two. The only commonality is they both have motorcycles but other than that, one is people who work legal jobs and the other is a criminal organization."
Longtime Port Arthur police officer and current Mavericks Motorcycle Club Member Joe Paul agrees that there is a huge difference between the outlaws and ones trying to do well.
"My fellow club members and I ride for freedom and brotherhood," Joe Paul said. "That brawl that took place at a usually social and peaceful meeting between all local clubs and groups to iron out issues between themselves. As a member of a family oriented motorcycle club that does a lot for the community – this latest incident saddens me and I predict a ban of club attire in many businesses in the future. I pray for everyone involved.
Paul said the easiest way to tell if a biker is an outlaw is by looking for a 1% diamond shaped patch that is usually located on their chest.
Carroll said outlaw riders only account for 1% of all motorcycle riders.
