Biker-Gang Members Head To Palm Springs This Weekend After Two Shootings

A rash of violence between biker gangs has Palm Springs Police worried tonight.

Two members of two rival biker gangs have already died.

One in San Francisco and one in Los Angeles.

Now, members of both biker gangs could be in Palm Springs for the annual biker weekend.

The city’s American Heat Motorcycle weekend is this weekend.

In a few days, hundreds of bikers will fill Palm Canyon.

Police plan on adding extra officers and enlisting businesses to help keep the weekend safe.

Shops, Restuarants and Hotels will take part.

“The ones that identify themselves with gangs, where they might be staying that sort of thing. So, we keep our offices apprised of that and focus on those areas,” says Sgt Mitch Spike, Palm Springs Police Department.

Palm Springs is no stranger to biker violence.

In 2005, the event moved away from downtown after a shooting the year before.

After a few years of low revenue, the weekend is back in the heart of the city.

“Obviously the majority of merchants want it on Palm Canyon and that’s why the city council agreed to send it back there,” says Palm Springs City Manager David Ready.

Police say most who attend the event don’t want any trouble.

And, they will keep an eye on those who do.

“We’re aware of it ahead of time and we try and keep it in consideration and address it as it comes,” says Sgt Spike.

The three-day event will be held Oct. 10-12 and Palm Canyon Drive.

Alejo to Baristo roads will be shut down beginning at 8 a.m. Friday until Sunday, oct. 12 at 9 p.m.

Event hours are Friday, Oct. 10 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.