On Thursday, a massive procession of up to 1,000 Hells Angels members entered Toronto’s east end with a heavy police presence before dispersing peacefully a few hours later.
The motorcycle club is holding what Toronto police described as a “unsanctioned event” today, with a sizable contingent of 800 to 1,000 riders taking part in a procession that starts in Newmarket and ends in Toronto.
The trip was held in memory of Donny Peterson, a longtime Hells Angels member from Toronto who passed away at age 74 from natural causes.
Around 11 a.m., the motorcycle riders left Newmarket and traveled south on the Don Valley Parkway, then east on Lake Shore Boulevard East, then north on Carlaw Avenue.
Around midday, the procession came to an end, and hundreds of bikers parked in front of what is thought to be the motorcycle club’s storefront on Carlaw Avenue.
The bikers remained in the area for a number of hours and were observed mingling down Carlaw Avenue. Just before 3 p.m., the majority of the bikers all departed simultaneously.
Although there were many police officers present throughout the procession downtown, nothing bad happened.
It is suggested that people follow the procession on social media for any updates.
Up to 1,000 Hells Angels members may congregate in Whitby this weekend for the group’s annual motorcycle run.
