Class-Action Status Sought in Angels’ Suit
A lawyer representing dozens of motorcycling enthusiasts, including many Hells Angels, filed documents in federal court Tuesday seeking to certify their discrimination claim against the Simi Valley Police Department as a class-action lawsuit.
Attorney Vip Bhola of Los Angeles filed the motion in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles asking the court to recognize the $11-million claim as a class-action suit with at least 63 plaintiffs.
A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8.
The suit stems from problems during the Hells Angels’ charity poker ride to the Elks Lodge in Simi Valley last September. During the event, police issued 46 traffic citations and arrested five riders.
Bhola and his clients say officers were overzealous and violated their civil liberties by singling them out for minor traffic violations, such as not having a headlight on or failing to signal for a turn.
Bhola was not available for comment.
Police Department officials have maintained that the officers’ conduct was proper and that they were only making sure that the event concluded safely.
Last fall, several officers returned citations and other awards given to them by the Elks Lodge in protest to them allowing the Hells Angels to hold an event at the facility.
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