A member of the Mongols motorcycle club has been charged with murder in connection with a violent incident that escalated tensions between rival motorcycle gangs. Julian Pulido, 35, is accused of shooting Vicente Sandoval, a member of the Vagos motorcycle club, on March 4 at the Firewater Bar in Ontario, California.
According to court documents, Pulido shot Sandoval four times in the back after a confrontation at the bar. A second Mongols member, Clifford Lavoy, is also implicated in the incident, accused of choking Sandoval before he was shot. Lavoy has pleaded not guilty to assault charges and is currently held without bail.
The conflict between the Mongols and the Vagos has been growing for over three years, marked by violent encounters including shootings and brawls. This latest incident follows a series of confrontations, including a shooting at a Hooters restaurant and a brawl at a Harley-Davidson store. Law enforcement officials say the Mongols have around 2,500 members worldwide and are involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and robberies.
The complaint details the events leading up to Sandoval’s death. Pulido and Lavoy confronted Sandoval about not showing them proper respect. Despite the tension, Sandoval offered to buy them drinks as an apology. However, after Pulido asked the bartender to charge a second round of drinks to Sandoval, the bartender refused. This refusal led to Pulido punching Sandoval, which escalated into a physical altercation.
After the fight, Sandoval attempted to flee the bar, but Pulido followed him outside and shot him. Witnesses reported that Pulido briefly returned to the scene after the shooting, expressing frustration before fleeing. Police later attempted to arrest him, but he crashed his car during the pursuit.
The ongoing violence between these motorcycle gangs has raised concerns among law enforcement, who are monitoring the situation closely. The Mongols have a history of armed confrontations with rival gangs, including the Hells Angels and the Outlaws. As this case unfolds, it highlights the dangerous rivalry that continues to pose a threat to public safety in the region.