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Head of Vancouver Island’s Devils Army biker club charged with 1st-degree murder

Police raided the motorcycle gang clubhouse in connection to a 2016 homicide on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017. CFSEU-BC

CAMPBELL RIVER, Canada – The head of an outlaw motorcycle club based on Vancouver Island has been charged with first degree murder in the 2016 death of a mixed martial arts fighter, in what investigators are calling a “significant” arrest.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) of British Columbia, which investigates gang-related crime in the province, says Richard (Ricky) Ernest Alexander is in custody pending further court proceedings related to the death of John Dillon Brown.

READ MORE: B.C. police officers raid Campbell River motorcycle gang clubhouse

Brown was found dead inside his car about 75 kilometres from Campbell River on March 12, 2016, and his death was deemed a “targeted” homicide.

Police say Alexander is well known as the president of the Devils Army Motorcycle Club based in Campbell River.

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They describe the Devils Army as a “one per cent” outlaw motorcycle club formed in Campbell River in 2009.

In a statement Friday, police say the investigation involved 200 officers from both the CFSEU and Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit, including the execution of a search warrant at the Devils Army clubhouse on Aug. 10, 2017.

“While a charge of first degree murder is significant in any circumstance, this charge is particularly significant as it involves a long-time high ranking member of an Outlaw Motorcycle Club,” Chief Superintendent Trent Rolfe said.

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