HELL’S ANGELS BAR BRAWL 2009
State authorities and the FBI fear the fallout after a vicious bar brawl.The fight landed a member of the infamous Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club in the hospital for nearly a month.We've learned authorities are tracking the players involved, trying to prevent potentially violent retaliation that could put innocent people at risk.The fight happened in a Bristol bar, just two nights before the big Fourth of July parade.The Topside bar was packed with people and police say, considering the players involved, it could have been much worse.Now, investigators fear the "Hell's Angels" could try and take the law into their own hands.It was an absolute melee.Minutes before the fight, it was like any other summer night inside "Topside Bar and Grill."A surveillance camera above the bar recorded only video, no sound.But the tension that is mounting between two men, is clear.Police identify one man as John Remington, a member of the "hells angels" motorcycle club.In the video, he's staring down another man:Carl Justice Nordstrom, who's also known as C.J. Nordstrom -- a biker himself, but not affiliated with any group.The video shows Remington walk over to Nordstrom.The two men, shake hands.The other men who are with Nordstrom are watching, intently.We aren't sure what is said, but there's no question what physically starts the fight.The video shows Remington shove the massive Nordstrom.What takes place next happens fast.The video shows a lightning quick two punches and John Remington hits the deck.The bar explodes into activity.A man police identify as a Topside bouncer is seen on the tape trying to stop the fight.He takes several blows to the back of the head.The tapes shows Nordstrom grab Remington and drag him to the door.Police have not been able to identify another man who was seen in the video with Nordstrom, but the tape shows that man holding off others in the bar.Meanwhile, the fight in the corner continues.Nordstrom lands repeated blows on Remington.Then he stands up and kicks him several times.Investigators say others in Nordstrom’s crew get involved in the beating.Less than two minutes after the fight erupted, the video shows C.J. Nordstrom casually walk over to the bar, grab his jacket and leave.The video, looking through the window, shows him get on his motorcycle.According to police reports obtained by Target 12 , Nordstrom, who is a former pro boxer, was arrested moments after the fight by Bristol police.He was charged with disorderly conduct and possession of a knife.Days later, Target 12 cameras were rolling as Nordstrom left court after his arraignment.His attorney, former Speaker of the House John Harwood says, his client, was attacked.John Harwood: "We're very comfortable the evidence will show he was assaulted and he defended himself. They just happened to pick the wrong guy."Two men in Nordstrom's crew, Paul Amato Meloche and Paul Nazarian, were also charged with disorderly conduct due to the brawl.Even the Hell's Angels’ member -- John Remington was booked for disorderly conduct.Police reports show Remington suffered a shattered ankle, busted nose and leg among other injuries.According to the arrest reports, just after the fight, The Bristol Police Department reached out to authorities in Cranston, where Nordstrom lives, keenly aware that a beef with the Hell's Angels could lead to retaliation.Target 12 has also learned both the State Police and F.B.I. have copies of the tape.They are monitoring the situation and are concerned there could be more violence.Lt. Col. Steven O'Donnell, RI State Police: "We refer to it as unintended consequences. They may think they can police themselves; somebody assaults somebody and they retaliate, but there's innocent people around."State Police Lt. Colonel Steven O'Donnell says this isn't the first time Nordstrom has put a member of the Hell's Angels in the hospital after a fight.That means this recent brawl has put law enforcement on alert.Lt. Col. Steven O'Donnell, RI State Police: "I do know they meet frequently and they have been meeting frequently about this particular incident."Tim White: "Meaning the hells angels?"O'Donnell: "Yes."We reached out to the Hell's Angels, but so far no comment.All of the charges in this case are misdemeanors and everyone has pleaded not guilty.Police say the charges could have been tougher, but the Hell's Angels member, Remington, refuses to press charges.