The Spark That Ignited a Biker Feud
On April 15, 2025, headlines exploded with news of a federal crackdown tied to a brutal shooting in Ontario, California. The incident, which occurred weeks earlier at the Firewater Bar and Grill, reignited fears of an escalating feud between two notorious outlaw motorcycle clubs: the Vagos and the Mongols.
The clash claimed the life of Vagos member Vicente Sandoval, allegedly at the hands of Mongols member Julian “Juls” Pulido. For riders nationwide, the violence served as a grim reminder of the dark undercurrents within outlaw motorcycle club (OMC) culture.
The Night of Violence
In the early hours of March 4, 2025, tensions boiled over at the Firewater Bar. Witnesses described a heated argument between Sandoval and two Mongol members, Pulido and Clifford “Buckshot” Lavoy.
The confrontation reportedly began over demands for “respect” and escalated into a physical assault. Pulido allegedly shot Sandoval in the back as he fled the bar.
The incident gained national traction on April 15 when federal authorities announced racketeering charges against Pulido (murder) and Lavoy (assault), framing the violence as part of a broader criminal enterprise.
Key Figures
- Vicente Sandoval: A Vagos member from Hesperia, Sandoval’s death became a flashpoint in the club’s rivalry.
- Julian Pulido: The accused shooter, linked to the Mongols, led police on a 9-hour chase before his arrest.
- Clifford Lavoy: Allegedly participated in the assault, later arrested on federal charges.
The Firewater Bar, a local hangout in San Bernardino County, became a battleground where territorial pride and club loyalty collided. For OMCs, such confrontations over patches and respect are often inevitable—and deadly.
Vagos Motorcycle Club
Founded in 1960s San Bernardino, the “Green Nation” is known for its Norse god Loki patch and meth trafficking ties. With chapters across the Southwest, they’ve long clashed with rivals like the Hells Angels—and now the Mongols.
Mongols Motorcycle Club
Emerging in 1969 as a haven for Hispanic veterans excluded from the Hells Angels, the Mongols adopted Genghis Khan’s warrior ethos. Their black-and-white patches symbolize a reputation for ruthlessness, backed by alleged ties to drug cartels and organized crime.
The Ontario shooting reinforced both club’s notoriety, testing their community standing amid ongoing legal battles.
Age-Old Rivalry
Southern California has been a contested territory for the Vagos and Mongols since their founding. Their rivalry, fueled by territorial disputes and drug market control, mirrors classic OMC power struggles. Past federal raids—like Operation 22 Green (Vagos) and Operation Black Rain (Mongols)—highlight their criminal ties but haven’t quashed tensions.
The Ontario clash, however, raises questions: Is this a new chapter in their feud or a one-off triggered by personal egos?
The Legal and Law Enforcement Perspective
Police swiftly arrested Pulido after a dramatic chase while Lavoy faced federal custody. Charges of “murder in aid of racketeering” signal authorities intent to dismantle the Mongol’s structure, not just punish individuals.
The case underscores challenges in prosecuting OMCs, where loyalty and secrecy often hinder investigations.
Community Impact and Concerns Among Motorcyclists
In Ontario, the shooting left residents wary of biker gatherings. Local businesses like the Firewater Bar now grapple with safety concerns while riders nationwide debate the fallout.
For law-abiding motorcyclists, the incident risks tarnishing the broader community’s image. Many fear guilt by association, urging clearer distinctions between OMCs and mainstream riding culture.
