Aggravated assault charges against biker gang assault withdrawn
The more serious charges lodged against three members of the Pagan motorcycle gang were withdrawn Wednesday at their scheduled preliminary hearing.
Police said William F. Metts, 47, of Smock and Robert Leon Morgan, 40, and James Ryan Vincent, 27, both of Fairmont, West Virginia, were stopped by police on Sept. 18 shortly after the alleged victim, Ernest Gill, told authorities that he was attacked by a group of bikers and a gray Chevrolet Malibu.
Police said they found a concealed handgun, brass knuckles and a lock tied to a bandanna in the vehicle.
During their preliminary hearing Wednesday, charges of aggravated assault, conspiracy, robbery, theft by unlawful taking and prohibited possession were withdrawn for Morgan and Vincent.
Metts’ charges of aggravated assault, robbery and theft by unlawful taking were also withdrawn.
The men each waived charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and an additional charge of theft by unlawful taking to Fayette County Common Pleas Court.
Gill, who was wearing an Iron Order motorcycle club shirt when he was attacked, told police the trio stopped him at the intersection of Hollywood Street and Koslasky Drive and beat him.
Gill was transported to the hospital with severe bleeding to his head and face, police said.