3 Hells Angels Members Held in Beating, Stabbing of Man

Three members of the Ventura chapter of the Hells Angels are being held in lieu of $1-million bail each after they allegedly beat and stabbed a man inside his Oak View home this week, authorities said Friday.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Department officials identified the suspects as Sabian Reynoso, 23, and Michael Kapp, 27, both of Oak View and Brian Applegate, 25, of Ventura.

The three men are accused of attacking and stabbing a man inside his Larmier Street home about 1:20 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities say the suspects also stole personal property.

Property from the victim’s residence was later found during a search of the suspects’ home, and blood was found on the men’s clothing, officials said. The case is still under investigation but officials refused to say why the victim was attacked.

The victim, whose name and age were not released, is recovering from stab wounds and severe bruises. He is not a member of the Hells Angels, authorities said.

All three suspects were arrested this week on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy. In addition, Reynoso is being held on suspicion of attempted murder, and Kapp is being held on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

According to sheriff’s officials and court records, Reynoso and Kapp were free on bail at the time of the assault, after having been arrested in connection with a December incident.

Arraignment is set for Monday afternoon in Ventura County Superior Court. The bail amount was set because of alleged threats to the victim, officials said.

A year ago, law enforcement officials arrested nine Hells Angels--including Applegate--and announced they had broken up a drug ring that had sold Valium and methamphetamine to middle- and high school students.

The announcement capped a 15-month investigation, during which undercover officers said they bought $364,000 worth of drugs from members or associates of the local Hells Angels chapter.

Authorities said the suspects targeted teenagers as they left school campuses, peddling plastic bags containing two or three Valium pills for $1 a pill or the methamphetamine drug called Ecstasy for $20 a tablet.