Six people injured, including two innocent bystanders; investigators link incident to Pagans Motorcycle Club
WEST NORRITON TWP., Pa. — Nine alleged members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club have been arrested following a violent shootout outside a Wawa convenience store in Montgomery County that left six people injured — including two innocent bystanders — according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities say the gunfire erupted around 9:12 p.m. on October 17 at the Wawa located at 2544 West Main Street in West Norriton Township. Surveillance video captured the moment chaos broke out between members of two rival outlaw motorcycle gangs — the Pagans and the Unknown Bikers.
Investigators said two Unknown Bikers members were fueling their motorcycles when nine Pagans members arrived and surrounded them. Within moments, a fight broke out, escalating into gunfire as several suspects took up what prosecutors described as “shooting-platform” stances and fired multiple rounds.
Police recovered 14 shell casings at the scene.
Two Innocent Bystanders Among the Victims
During the exchange, two bystanders were caught in the crossfire. A man standing near an air pump was shot in the face, while a woman near the store entrance was struck in the torso. Four additional victims, believed to be involved in the confrontation, also suffered injuries.
All six victims were transported to area hospitals. Authorities said none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening.
“This was an outrageous act of violence that could have easily killed innocent people,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. “Our community should not have to live in fear of rival gangs turning public spaces into war zones.”
Nine Suspects Charged
The following suspects — all identified as members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club — were arrested and charged:
- Justin Noll, 34, of Reading
- Erik Rosenberger, 46, of East Greenville
- Luke Higgins, 29, of Dauberville
- Joel Hernandez-Martinez, 36, of Bridgeport
- Jason Lawless, 45, of Bridgeport
- Manuel Baez-Santos, 34, of Norristown
- George Cwienk III, 51, of Bridgeport
- Erik Dixon, 33, of King of Prussia
- George Hripto Jr., 50, of Bridgeport
Each faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault, riot, simple assault, and reckless endangerment.
Bail for eight of the defendants was set at $500,000 cash, while Noll — who was also shot during the incident — received $50,000 unsecured bail due to his hospitalization.
A preliminary hearing for all nine is scheduled for November 10 before District Judge Marc Alfarano in East Norriton.
Community Shocked by Violence
Witnesses described the scene as “absolute chaos” as customers ran for cover and store employees locked the doors until police arrived.
Local residents say the shooting has left them shaken. “You come to Wawa for gas or coffee, not to dodge bullets,” said one nearby customer who stopped at the store minutes before the incident.
Authorities stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public, adding that the shooting stemmed from long-running tensions between rival motorcycle gangs.
Ongoing Investigation
West Norriton Township Police and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the broader gang dynamics that may have led to the confrontation. Officials said the Pagans have a long history of violent rivalries across Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
Law enforcement credited rapid video surveillance retrieval and interagency coordination for the swift arrests, noting that the incident underscores the dangers of gang-related conflicts spilling into public spaces.
Summary
Nine alleged Pagans Motorcycle Club members are facing serious charges following a violent shootout at a Wawa in West Norriton Township that left six people injured — two of them bystanders. Authorities say the arrests mark a significant step toward dismantling ongoing gang activity in the region.
Photo Credit: Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office / Local Law Enforcement
