Washington County, Pa. — A judge dismissed several charges Thursday after a preliminary hearing lasted more than six hours, centering on a violent altercation involving rival motorcycle clubs. The case examined an August brawl at Forty Bar and Grille, where prosecutors allege that members of the War Dogs Motorcycle Club assaulted a member of the Pagan Motorcycle Club.
Ten defendants are implicated, including nine from the War Dogs and a Pagan, who reportedly discharged a firearm into the air outside the establishment. The courtroom atmosphere was tense, with around 20 sheriff’s deputies present, which is notably high for a single hearing.
During the hearing, prosecutors detailed a disturbing account of the incident. They claimed that the victim was restrained and suffered multiple injuries from being punched, kicked, and beaten with bats. Surveillance footage was played extensively, highlighting the chaotic scene. One bartender testified about the fear felt that night, recounting how she, another bartender, and patrons fled to the basement after trying to intervene.
Defense attorneys contended that the confrontation stemmed from a bar fight between two individuals and insisted that other club members attempted to disarm the Pagan instead of joining the aggression. They suggested the fight was provoked by the Pagan member allegedly using a racial slur.
A key point in the defense’s argument involved a hand signal that prosecutors believed instigated the violence. One attorney, Steven Valsamidis, refuted this claim, citing expert testimony that indicated no known signal tied to either club. He explained, “Their expert brought in from Washington, D.C., testified there’s no known signal — no sign language for the gang. That signal meant ‘time to go, let’s leave,’ which my client did as soon as tensions escalated.”
The hearing also touched upon a separate shooting incident from October, which prosecutors connected to the ongoing feud between the motorcycle clubs. They allege that Kenneth Hayman, a member of the War Dogs, was killed by three members of the Pagans while riding his motorcycle. This background of violence further complicates the narrative surrounding the August incident.
Originally, the case was sealed, and the defendants were apprehended during a snowstorm last month. One defense lawyer suggested that the sealing of documents fueled media attention, creating an exaggerated sense of urgency around the case.
After reviewing the testimony, the judge dropped the felony charges related to organized crime and robbery. Testimony established that the victim’s firearm was not stolen but discarded behind the bar. Other charges against the defendants will proceed to trial.
Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh expressed disappointment regarding the dismissal of charges but noted that the case is advancing. He assured that authorities would continue to confront violent crime in the community.
Defense attorneys welcomed the judge’s decision, suggesting it reflected their stance all along. Attorney Casey White remarked, “It seems like Judge Manfredi saw the forest through the trees and realized this was a fight between two individuals that escalated but really had nothing to do with the Pagans or the War Dogs.”
Moving forward, all parties acknowledge that the situation remains complex as the legal process continues.