Motorcycle Gang Members Arrested on Firearms Charges

Five motorcycle gang members from San Luis Obispo were arrested in Santa Barbara by the sheriff’s department after a traffic stop uncovered weapons on Friday night.

Daniel Chapman

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Gang Enforcement Unit conducted the traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 154 at Highway 101 around 8 p.m. after observing two of the bikers fail to stop at a red light.

Investigators say the other three bikers pulled over also to wait for their club members

Kirk Koester

According to the sheriff’s department, all suspects were wearing insignia related to the Vagos Motorcycle Club, a known outlaw motorcycle gang. The suspects are associated with the SLO chapter.

Investigators found concealed semi- automatic handguns within the motorcycle saddlebags.

John Gallagher

The suspects arrested were club’s San Luis Obispo Chapter President Kirk Koester, 46, of Cayucos, his wife, Shannon Koester, 41, also from Cayucos, Byron Posey, 38, of Paso Robles, Daniel Chapman, 46, also of Paso Robles and John Gallagher, 41, of San Luis Obispo.

All were booked into the county jail for possession of a concealed firearm, active participant of a criminal street gang in possession of a concealed firearm, and gang enhancement allegation.

The Vagos club traces its origins to 1960’s  San Bernadino County and has over 600 members in the US.

Read More:

SLO Tribune: 5 Bikers Arrested in Santa Barbara Gun Find

Santa Barbara Independent: Motorcycle Gangmembers Arrested