DPS State Gang Task Force arrests Vagos Gang members and followers involved in violent encounters in bars

An eight month DPS investigation, Operation 22, results in 11 search warrants, 10 arrest warrants across Mohave County

On Wednesday, Feb. 29,  the Gang Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM) executed 11 search warrants, along with 10 arrest warrants, at various locations across Mohave County to include Bullhead City, Ft. Mohave, Mohave Valley, Lake Havasu City and Laughlin, Nevada.

The arrests culminated an eight-month investigation into the resurgence of violent crimes related to the Vagos Motorcycle Gang in the Bullhead City area. There have been several incidents where Vagos members and their followers have been involved in violent encounters involving patrons of local bars. The latest incident occurred Dec. 23, 2011, at Lazy Harry’s Lounge in Bullhead City. During this incident, a patron was assaulted, dragged out of the bar, and beaten by several members of the Vagos Motorcycle Gang.

Shortly thereafter, GITEM Mohave Enforcement began its investigation into the incident. This investigation coincided with another investigation into the Lake Havasu chapter of the Vagos Motorcycle gang. The alleged gang members are reported to be involved in assaults, witness intimidation, drug sales, motorcycle theft, and possession of stolen property.

Suspects arrested:                                      Ryan Welsch, 26, Lake Havasu

                              Shawn Patrick Bailey, 36, Bullhead City

                              Gabriel Nader, 25, Bullhead City

Charges: Aggravated Assault, Riot and participating in a Criminal Street Gang

Suspects arrested:                                     Bernard Prano, 55, Lake Havasu

                              Peter Velliodis, 39, Laughlin, Nevada

                              Paul Anthony Villegas, 41, Lake Havasu

                              Robert Wayne Mann, 46, Bullhead City

                              Robert Kellar, 36, Bullhead City

                              Daniel McDonald, 53, Ft. Mohave

                   

Charges: Theft of Means of Transportation, Participating in a Criminal Street Gang

                 Possession of a Vehicle with a Defaced Vehicle Identification Number

Suspect Arrested:                                Kenneth William Gallego, 35, Ft Mohave

Charges: Attempted Intimidation of a Witness

                 Assisting a Criminal Street Gang

Suspect Arrested:                                Dale Warren Smith, 52, Mohave Valley

Charges: Mishandling of Explosives

All were booked into the Mohave County Jail