New York

Lesson from NYC shooting: Don't disturb Hells Angels' bikes

Associated Press
Published | Updated

A sign near the front door of the Hells Angels motorcycle club headquarters in New York reads "No Parking Except Authorized Hells Angels," Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. Earlier in the week an out-of-town man was shot after moving an orange cone meant to save a parking space for club members. The secretive group has frustrated police by refusing to help identify the shooter. (AP Photo/Tom Hays) (The Associated Press)

A sign near the front door of the Hells Angels motorcycle club headquarters in New York reads "No Parking Except Authorized Hells Angels," Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. The latest clash between New York City Police and the Hells Angels came after a man from upstate New York tried to move an orange cone meant to hold a sparking spot for club members and ended up hospitalized with a gunshot wound. (AP Photo/Tom Hays) (The Associated Press)

Motorcycles are parked on the street outside the Hells Angels motorcycle club headquarters in New York, Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. Earlier in the week, a man from upstate New York tried to move tried to move one of the orange traffic cones the bikers used to hold curbside parking spots and ended up hospitalized with a gunshot wound. (AP Photo/Tom Hays) (The Associated Press)

The Hells Angels at their clubhouse in Manhattan's East Village aren't considered horrible neighbors — as long as you don't mess with the motorcycles parked outside.

A man from upstate New York learned that lesson the hard way earlier this week after he tried to move one of the orange traffic cones the bikers used to hold curbside parking spots. He ended up hospitalized with a gunshot wound, setting off the latest clash between police and the motorcycle club.

The secretive group has frustrated police by refusing to help identify the shooter. This week, officers swept in and removed the cones, along with an unapproved bench and planters on the sidewalk outside the club's front door.

A lawyer for the Hells Angels says they just want to be left alone.