An agent with the FBI's Albuquerque division testified earlier this month that he expects gang retaliation following the May 27 shootout at the Red River motorcycle rally.
“If you’re specifically referring to the Water Dogs and the Bandidos, this is not over,” FBI Agent Bryan Acee said at a June 5 hearing per a KRQE report. “And I believe the Bandidos will retaliate.”
Acee's testimony came during a hearing to determine whether a man charged with drug possession after the Red River biker gang shooting should be released from jail until trial.
Christopher Garcia was charged with passing cocaine to a woman after he was injured when shots rang out at the motorcycle rally on May 27.
According to the KRQE report, prosecutors argued Garcia should remain in custody because he wore attire indicating he was a sergeant at arms for the Bandidos gang which was involved with a shootout with the rival Water Dogs gang. Three people were killed and five injured, including Garcia.
Garcia’s defense attorney said the drug charge has nothing to do with the shooting and keeping him in custody because he’s a Bandido member is “guilt by association.”
Judge Emilio Chavez ultimately granted Garcia his release but will allow the state to refile the pretrial detention motion if investigators find evidence pointing to Garcia being involved in any potential retaliation, according to KRQE.
Jacob Castillo, who is charged with murder, is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial detention hearing on Tuesday. Castillo admitted to shooting Damian Breaux but is claiming self-defense. According to court documents, Castillo and other members of the Water Dogs motorcycle club claimed they were trying to avoid a group of Bandidos near the merchandise tents. They said the Bandidos then started throwing punches. Castillo said he shot Breau only after he rushed at him, punched him, and shot him in the shoulder. New Mexico State Police said cell phone video showed Castillo shooting at three men on the ground, one of whom fired back.
Two other bikers were killed in the melee, one Bandido and one Water Dog. It remains unclear who fired the shots that killed them. Matthew Jackson, who was also wounded, is set to have his pretrial detention hearing Tuesday for allegedly taking a gun into a bar.
