TWO GANGS FIGHT

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31090, 20 June 1966, Page 10

TWO GANGS FIGHT

Gun Battle In ! I ! Virginia (N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) ARLINGTON (Virginia), , June 17. : Police with shotguns and i dogs broke up a shopping • centne gun battle between , rival gangs early on Thursday, United Press International ported. Sixteen youths were arrested. One gang member Who got away was believed to be wounded. Several State policemen were hit but not ! injured by shotgun pellets. Police said the gangs, the i "Avengers” and the “Pagans,” had clashed before. Their most recent fight last weekend was the apparent spark for the shooting that started shortly before midnight yesterday. The gangs are motor-cycle and “hot rod” drivers who wear black leather jackets. The “Avengers” decorate their with a German iron cross, the “Pagans” use a skull and crossbones. Detective C. Mackey, of the Arlington County Police Department, said he and his men were informed in advance about the fight but had to stand aside as the “Avengers” gathered. "There was nothing we could do,” he said. “They were on private property.” Shortly before midnight, a group stepped from woods near the shopping centre and opened fire on the “Avengers,” who shot back. Pistols, rifles and shotguns were used. Police waded into the melee and arrested 14 “Avengers” and two “Pagans.” According to Detective Mackey, the “Pagans” swore a blood oath to avenge one of their number who was beaten by 13 "Avengers” last Sunday. Detective Mackey said the gangs draw their membership from all sorts of families, and ail their members were white.