Idaho Uses FBI Agents to Detain Oregon Motorcycle Riders

(SALEM, Ore.) - A group of motorcyclists from Oregon, California, Washington and Australia say police were unnecessarily harsh during a traffic stop in Idaho Wednesday night.

A spokesman for the Gypsy Joker Motorcycle Club, "Tattoo Mike", says the group was riding with between 60 and 70 members in Nampa, Idaho when police decided to pull the group over.

A news source in Idaho reported that, "Dozens of police officers were brought in to help wrangle a traffic stop for a large biker gang which may turn into a federal investigation."

Tattoo Mike says it seemed pretty obvious that the police were assembled en mass to pull them over. "They had M-16's, there were cops everywhere. The FBI was there. I guess we ran a red light and that was their reason for pulling us over."

He says the riders, most of whom are military veterans, were detained for easily two hours. A small amount of marijuana was apparently located, but the user was a legal medical patient.

"They lined us up, they photographed us, it was really unnecessary. They had 3-4 circles of containment around us, there were cops everywhere."

He says one club member was heavily scrutinized because he had a concealed weapons permit. "They accused him of drinking, and he ended up blowing a .00 on the breathalyzer," Tattoo Mike said.

Club members believe they had the attention of law enforcement around the time they passed through McCall, Idaho. The local Idaho Fox station reported that, "The group wouldn't at first cooperate in the traffic stop."

But Tattoo Mike says the large group stopped as soon as they realized they were being pulled over.

The Fox station wrote, "so more officers from around the area were called in to help. Eventually the bikers were guided off the road and into the Idaho Center Auto Mall at Garrity Road."

It's an interesting story in a nation founded on freedom and the government's supposed respect for military veterans. It looks like the cops had word of the club's annual run and saw it as a good opportunity to detain them and gather personal information about each.

The Gypsy Joker club has a history of looking out for their legal rights and they have won two cases in Oregon in recent years that ultimately cost the taxpayers in the cities of Keizer and Gresham a lot of money.

An Oregon attorney once said to me, "In spite of police perceptions, motorcyclists have Civil Rights that guarantee their ability to proceed without being accosted by law enforcement."

For most people, a ticket for running a red light is not a two-hour ordeal. The local press seems pretty sold out as far as being able to objectively look at a story like this.

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

TATTOO USA February 24, 2010 8:48 am (Pacific time)

TICKETS DISMISSED THANK YOU IDAHO SEE YOU SOON
EVERY BIKE SHOULD HAVE A CAM ON THE BARS

Randy, Nampa November 6, 2009 3:07 pm (Pacific time)

I used to think america was free and we all had the same rights, I put my time in service and want nothing more than respect. Times are changeing and brothers need to stand firm aginst this kind of crap.I ride a jap bike its what I got. I still support you and want to say thanks to all the 1% and patched clubs for standing tall.I respect You.ss7f2

Fat Bobby September 6, 2009 8:23 am (Pacific time)

Peace to the N.W. BROTHERHOOD OF BIKERS

Elder ED with respect September 4, 2009 4:47 pm (Pacific time)

As A P.O.W. in Veitnam the Men at my camp all had the triger fangers cut off and we all came home years later. peace,respect,love,and most of all freedom . Man its good to be home.

NO SIR September 4, 2009 4:15 pm (Pacific time)

NOT HARD TO BE TUFF ON A KEYBOARD BUT IT WAS IN VEITNAM. LOTS OF SCARS LEFT OVER JUST WANT TO LIVE IN PEACE NOW THATS ALL WISH FOR THE BEST FOR ALL OF YOU ON EACH SIDE LOTS OF FRIENDS AND BROTHERS ON EACH SIDE.GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL.

TO THE BIKERS September 3, 2009 9:42 am (Pacific time)

Hope to see peace on all sides you all are Men of Honor and all respected by others and may it be soon.

joker trever September 1, 2009 2:35 am (Pacific time)

love all the tuff guy comments! its easy to be tuff on the keyboard huh?

TATTOO GJMCUSA August 24, 2009 7:40 pm (Pacific time)

GOOD SUMMER RUN.

no name August 24, 2009 10:39 am (Pacific time)

Do not see where Mike said locked and loaded! Just common sense

members August 24, 2009 7:51 am (Pacific time)

ok but now what?????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Bill aka Santa August 23, 2009 5:32 pm (Pacific time)

This is not a place to be discussing such things. We do not talk with about people, name names or the names of other groups. As the President of the OVMA, I am telling you stand down. If, for this day forward, I find a response that is disrespectful by any OVMA member that I can identify, you will be dealt with in accordance to our Constitution and by-laws with the intent of pulling your patch. When you disrespect the others, you are disrespecting our group and me. And what you say falls on me.

its on August 20, 2009 11:48 am (Pacific time)

look at nw harly blog to see the talk

Anonymous August 21, 2009 9:45 am (Pacific time)

CAN THIS MAKE THE NEWS PAPER IT IS A BIG STORY MIGHT HELP ALOT OF VETS

FREEDOM August 21, 2009 8:56 am (Pacific time)

the fbi is always going to be watching and will always be part of a big stop like that they now have pics and names ,home # to find them they are doing more assaults in the public eye like the vet 2 weeks back just stoped to have lunch he got hit in the back of the head by a joker hurt bad the prezz of the ovma 2 assaults the past prezz and states sargent at arms 2 more assaults they were held down and beaten told to dissban the ovma all at the hand of the GYPSY JOKERS MC TAKE SOME GOOD TURN IT TO CRAP THANK YOU GYPSY JOKERS YOU MAKE LIFE SONICE FOR THE REST OF US.YOU SHOULD REMOVE YOUR USA PATCH YOU HAVE NO RESPECT FOR HER..........VETERAN OF THE U.S.A.

hey salem news August 21, 2009 8:19 am (Pacific time)

has the GJMC left a reply or have they not gotten approval

Editor: We are on the road, it is taking longer than usual to get anything done. We haven't disapproved any comments from the GJMC.

wow August 21, 2009 8:06 am (Pacific time)

GANGLAND SHOULD DO A STORY ON HOW A NONPROFET LIKE THE OVMA FACES THREATS HARRASSMENT INTIMIDATION AND AT LAST ASSAULTS THEY CAN SHOW WHAT THE O.V.M.A. IS AND CAN DO FOR THE VETS AND THEY CAN SHOW ALL THE OLD NEWS AND NEW NEWS OF THE GYPSY JOKERS GANGLAND HERE WE COME THEY MIGHT GO AFTER THE ELKS NEXT SO LOOK OUT EAGLES ,AND LEGIONS THAY GOING TO SHUT THE DOORS TO THE V.F.W. IT IS HARD TO SEE BUT THIS IS THE GANG THAT THE O.V.M.A. HANGS OUT WITH BUNCH OF OLD THUGS

a call to the jokers August 20, 2009 2:19 pm (Pacific time)

I guss the news is just going to have to report on all the good that the GYPSY JOKERS MC have done in the world and show how bad the OVMA is look at the track record here if one just one joker can step up tell the OVMA why if not they need new leadrs strong ones that can

HEY TATTOO August 20, 2009 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

THE COPS ARE MAD IF YOU CAN JUST STOP TAKEN LUNCH MONEY FROM KIDS THEY MIGHT LEAVE YOU ALONE ARE YOU GOING TO TALK TO US OR IS THE FEAR TO MUCH FOR YOU HELL ASK BIG KENNY TO GIVE THE TRUTH I WAS TOLD THAT IF YOU DONT LIVE UP TO A HAND SHAKE SEEN BY OTHER 1%ERS THAT OLD HAND SHAKE YALL MADE IS OUT THE WINDOW.....TALK THE OUTLAW WORLD IS GOING TO CHANGE IN OREGON IF NOT

Jake August 20, 2009 1:04 pm (Pacific time)

BANDITOS MAKEN A GO FOR WEST COAST SOCAL/OREGON PATCH OVER OF MONGOLS THATS BIG NEWS IS THE HAs LOOKEN AT THIS IT LOOKS LIKE A BIG BIKER WAR IS GOING TO START UP ON THE WEST COAST

de.ta.de M.C. August 20, 2009 12:34 pm (Pacific time)

hey first gear it takes 10 minutes to give 65 tickets man you shold be a cop you could make a lot of money for the state given tickets out that fast can you do math 10x65 it should by your math taken 650 mins they did it in 120 mins not bad that fast to let them ride of with rights in hand THEY HAVE NO CASE .

to mary August 20, 2009 12:07 pm (Pacific time)

nw harley blog "trust no one"see what big-b said

its on August 20, 2009 11:49 am (Pacific time)

look at nw harley blog

DUFF August 20, 2009 11:31 am (Pacific time)

B.W.N.MC IS TO PATCHOVER

Mary August 20, 2009 11:22 am (Pacific time)

Hey, NEWS FLASH, do you think it could be the MONGOLS patching over to the GJMC? And yes you are very right on about the three MC's you named being one and the same, controlled by the GJMC. They don't like to admit it, don't want the public to know it, but it is the truth, they need to deal with it. Looking not just for 'TATTOO MIKE' to step up to the plate, but any GJ with the authority to do so, 'BIG KENNY', the leader would be a good start. Why don't we take further into the publics eye before we take a POLL, the vast majority of people didn't know about the HARRASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, THREATS and ASSAULTS the OVMA has endured over the last year. Hey Mike, we really shouldn't be telling people that the majority of OVMA have CFP's and are LOCKED and LOADED, they may think we are OUTLAWS too! NOT!!!

S.O.S. M.C. August 20, 2009 11:15 am (Pacific time)

I Here it is the Baditos M.C.goin south to Oregon if so jokers have a big prolbem

NEWS FLASH August 20, 2009 10:38 am (Pacific time)

G.J.M.C.@ N.W.V.M.C.@R.B.M.C. ALL THE SAME CLUB RAN BY THE GYSPY JOKERS PUT TOGETHER TO BUILD THE JOKERS NUMBERS WITH THE MONGULS M.C. NOW IN ORE/WASH THEY HAVE TRIDE TO PATCHOVER THE VETS AND THEY SAID NO THERE IS TALK OF A MAJOR PATCHOVER TO TAKE PLACE IN OREGON BUT IT IS NOT THE VETS STILL NOT IN ON WHICH CLUB IT IS AS OF YET IF ANYONE KNOWS LET US KNOW THANK YOU

were is the spokesmen August 20, 2009 10:23 am (Pacific time)

tattoo are you out their tell the truth to us as you see it

YOU MUST HAVE August 20, 2009 10:07 am (Pacific time)

HONOR/PRIDE WE TOOK LUMPS SO LETS END THIS CAN WE TAKE A POLL FOR THE OVMA SEE WHAT THE PEOPLE THINK CAN YOU DO THAT SALEM NEWS THANK YOU

Mike August 20, 2009 3:31 am (Pacific time)

Grow up everyone! Learn to spell too Jokers are bikers that like to ride. OVMA is comprised of bikers that like to ride. So one or two got out of line..........BFD. The vast majority of the OVMA suffer for a few peoples mistakes. (Sounds like the US in the 60' during the civil rights movement.) Both sides need to grow up before it escalates to a gunfight. The OVMA is hundreds strong and most are legal gunowners. Hmm........do the math. As for the traffic stop...sure reeks of facism.

TO THE GYMC OF THE USA August 19, 2009 4:48 pm (Pacific time)

USA IS BUILT ON THE BACKBONE OF VETS MESS WITH VETS YOU MESS WITH THE USA SWON TO PRETECT HER FROM BOTH FORIN AND DEMSTIC IF YOU ARE A VET YOU NEED TO THINK HARD ABOUT THE OVMA VETS OF THE USA HAVE A GOOD DAY

hey tattoo August 19, 2009 4:32 pm (Pacific time)

you are a little to old to still be taken lunch money nice pic good to see the face of a joker show us more like what kind of man you are are you a vet do you do anything to help vets do you like vets do you have the time to stop and shake the hand of a vet can you see that most of the outlaw world is backen vets why ...... we fought hard for the right to have freedom in the u.s.a. your patch says GYPSY JOKER U.S.A. ARE YOU PROUD OF THE U.S.A. OR IS THAT just somthing to say do you love your patch or is it bigger than you you look like a man that has a mind of his owen are you . can you see the lite just look up one time and not down on everyone not everything is a fight we are home now its time for life not time to do life stop taken lunch money and be a man men dont get mad at men for talken crap we are men thats all we all do hope this makes its way to you and the rest of the GJMC NEXT TIME YOU GET PULLED OVER TELL THAT COP I THINK HE IS DOING A GREAT JOB WITH LOVE HA HA HA

Anonymous August 19, 2009 2:11 pm (Pacific time)

do you have a link to the video from this event?

Editor: I don't have that link, will post if it is made available.,

Anonymous August 19, 2009 12:09 pm (Pacific time)

The O.V.M.A. HAS AS A LIFE MEMBER OREGONS ONLY LIVING MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPENT BUT NOT ALOWED TO NAME NAMES HERE SO THINK OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING PLEASE O.V.M.A. NEEDS TO LIVE ON .19yrs THANKYOU FOR YOUR TIME

O.V.M.A. MEMBER August 19, 2009 10:14 am (Pacific time)

The O.V.M.A. HELPS VETS IN OREGON IF WE FOLD MANY VETS WILL BE WITHOUT HELP IN OUR STATE WE FUND ALOT OF THINGS IN OREGON WE ARE NEEDED WE CAN HELP WITH THE GUYS THAT ARE COMMING HOME PTSD IS BEST DEALT WITH BY OTHERS THAT UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM HELP SUPPORT FREEDOM SUPPORT THE O.V.M.A.HELP SUPPORT THE BOYS COMMING HOME WE WILL O.V.M.A. PROUD@STRONG@RESPECTED FOR THE GOOD WE HAVE TO OFFER

ovma August 18, 2009 9:33 am (Pacific time)

this is the only way the OVMA and the GYPSY JOKER MC have been able to talk. the lines of comuncation are now open. THANK YOU SALEM NEWS

OVMA August 18, 2009 9:26 am (Pacific time)

I FOUND A HOME WITH THE OVMA NOW IS THE TIME FOR US TO SUPPORT OTHER VETS THEY JUST ROAD OUT OF STATE THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO GO AND DO WHAT EVER FREEDOM WILL TAKE THEM HOPE YOUR FREEDOMS ARE NOT STEPED ON ANYMORE AND I HOPE MINE DONT GET STEPED ANYMORE AS WELL.

Arizona Girl August 17, 2009 7:51 pm (Pacific time)

riding with his friends on his day off was in the same situation....Jokers you have Arizona Support anytime!!!

Anonymous August 17, 2009 12:37 pm (Pacific time)

NEXT TIME THEY MIGHT TAKE ALL THE PATCHS OFF THE BACKS OF THE GYPSY "OUTLAW" JOKERS NOT A VETERANS CLUB BUT A CLUB THAT IS TRYING TO END OTHER VETERANS THAT DO GOOD IN OREGON WHY DO YOU HARM OUR VETS WHY"BIG KENNY" WHY. THE BOYS COMING HOME NEED US. LETS WORK IT OUT SOON

Anonymous August 17, 2009 12:19 pm (Pacific time)

IT CAN ALL GOAWAY IF YOU MAKE IT UP WITH THE OVMA

Jim August 17, 2009 9:02 am (Pacific time)

Just because you are a veteran does not mean you are a good intentioned person. And just because you are a veteran does not mean that laws do not apply. I have the upmost respect for veterans, but there is a major difference between those I respect for doing great things, and those that have no respect for the law, or the citizens they attempt to intimidate. And its going to take 2 hours to run 65 people...I love the playing of the victim card in this case.

Rich August 17, 2009 7:54 am (Pacific time)

Why is this MC trying to destroy the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association (OVMA), using force. OVMA is a group of veterans that help other veteran in need, we escort fallen soldiers returning from war, we raise monies for veteran’s hospitals, and much more. We have been instructed to not wear or patch when riding in fear of retaliation. However, “Tattoo Mike” was quick to say “most of whom (Jokers) are military veterans”, yet the Jokers are using unlawful methods to “break” the OVMA. It would seem to me the Jokers are hypocrites. "Tatto", please help me understand.

BigDaddy August 17, 2009 4:37 am (Pacific time)

Let me get this strait? A group of 60 to 70 citizens who happen to be riding motorcycles, knowingly run a red light, and get tickets. Isn't that what happened? Oh, the 2 hour thing! Well, I think had there not been SO MANY of you who chose to ride together it may have gone a little quicker. And now you're all cryin foul and how your "rights" have been violated and there is some conspiricy to deny you your human rights?

Come on! On the one hand you want the respect you say you're not getting, and then cry when you are held responsible for your own actions just like any citizen would be??

Man, I've been ridin all my life and have gotten plenty of tickets (all of which I deserved) for knowingly speeding. You know what? I was polite to the officer who is only doing what he is hired to do, and paid the dang ticket knowing it was the cost of going fast! I hated the 55mph speed limit and did all I could to get the law changed, but in the meantime I accepted that it was the law and manned up when I got caught doing what I made the choice to do! Is this really so hard?

Editor: Did you read the story Big Daddy? Feds don't normally show up for traffic tickets, this seems like it was a planned event doesn't it?

tattoo GJMCUSA August 16, 2009 11:31 pm (Pacific time)

i think the cops are still mad they got there lunch money taken in grade school, we had a great trip,

Grumbler August 16, 2009 3:56 pm (Pacific time)

There's far too many stoplights on SH-55/Eagle Rd between State St/SH-44) and I-84 for that many riders. I'd have suggested US-95 from New Meadows to Ontario if headed in that direction. It's a real nice motorcycle ride alongside the Payette River btw Round Valley and Horseshoe Bend.

veteran August 16, 2009 3:36 pm (Pacific time)

wow this story talks about them being mostly veterans and about there freedoms however these are the same "people" that are trying to rip patches off of the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association (OVMA) i guess freedom to where a patch that has been worn for over twenty years by VETERANS is only expected for that group maybe they should show other veterans the same respect they want shown to them

Russ August 16, 2009 1:20 pm (Pacific time)

The Jokers donated to a club function that I was involved with. They were very nice and they were professional about it. They were invited to our function and did not cause any problems. Sometimes I notice them riding around Salem and they always appear to obey the laws. I hope you win your case against those Idaho and Federal overreactors for violating your rights as an American Citizen.

Looking for the truth August 16, 2009 9:12 am (Pacific time)

Once again an outlaw group feels they are above the law and don't have to follow the rules...Salem News Author is just as bad as these guys.

bobbie August 15, 2009 2:52 pm (Pacific time)

while I agree that the police (not all) have become over forceful on people; the joker motorcycle club members came through riggins on monday and tuesday night and while they didn't seem to cause any major problems they did drink at the bar AND THEN GOT ON THEIR BIKES AND RODE UP AND DOWN MAIN STREET TILL ALL HOURS OF THE MORNING DISTURBING THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. IF ANY REGULAR LAW ABIDING CITIZEN CAME OUT OF THE BAR AND GOT INTO THEIR VEHICLE I'M SURE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN STOPPED AND CHARGED WITH DUI;WHICH IN MY OPINION THEY SHOULD. DRINKING AND DRIVING PUTS OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES IN DANGER!! BUT I'M SURE THE COPS WERE SCARCE THOSE TWO EVENINGS BECAUSE OF THE INTIMIDATION FACTOR !!

Mary August 15, 2009 1:50 pm (Pacific time)

Hope they get what they deserve finally. Time for them to learn they are not above the law, and no better than any other biker.

First Gear R.B.M.C August 14, 2009 4:54 pm (Pacific time)

My brothers were pulled over for really nothing. Detained for something that should have taken nothing more than 10 minutes tops to take care of. Just because we have a patch on our back doesn't make us bad people. We are bikers out enjoying what we are and what we do, that simple! RIDE ON BROTHERS AND SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET BACK!! TO ALL OF YOU...RIDE FREE BROTHERS!!

News? August 14, 2009 1:57 pm (Pacific time)

Its nothing new to any club members. dosent matter what club, or what state. cops are way out of control. take the tax payers money with law suits. buy more bikes and patches with there money.

Duncan August 14, 2009 12:25 pm (Pacific time)

Hmm. I don't like the whole 2 hour detain thing, but I'm a little annoyed the group claiming they "didn't notice" they were being pulled over. It seems likely they're either shading the truth that they felt above the law because they were in a large intimidating group, or they weren't paying the minimum level of attention to their surroundings that the rest of us have a right to expect from other vehicles on the road. I'm a little more concerned with DHS checkpoints where they detain people 50 miles from the border, even when they recognize them as local US citizens, until they render ritual subservience, the only purpose of which seems to be getting US citizens used to the idea of being stopped and ID'ed without cause.

mateo August 14, 2009 10:45 am (Pacific time)

Not quite what the Statesman reported. I'm sure they're just fun lovin good ol boys.

Spudgirl August 14, 2009 10:22 am (Pacific time)

I was on the freeway when this all went down. It was the police who were causing safety problems on the freeway and offramp with their "over-enthusiasm." It was ridiculous; I've never seen so many cops in my life. And you are correct when you suggest the local media is biased or at least ambiguous about reporting the facts. It's embarrassing for our state, and I hope the motorcyclists pursue legal action.

Vic August 14, 2009 8:58 am (Pacific time)

The few times I rode with clubs (Brother Speed and The Shifters..as a guest, not a patch holder) the drill was this..The prospects (prospective members) rode at the very back along with the non-patch holders. If a cop turned on his lights, the guy in the very back would pull over..if the cop stayed on the group, then the next guy would pull over, etc. Usually after two or three guys pulled over, the cop would too. That was part of being a prospect or a guest...This sounds like harrassment, pure and simple.

perfesser August 13, 2009 6:18 pm (Pacific time)

I hope the Gypsy Joker MC will make this operation extremely expensive for the agencies involved.

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