A member of the Outlaws motorcycle gang was arrested after an attack on a store employee and several others, according to investigators.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest on May 7, 2023, of two suspects believed involved in an aggravated assault at a business on Thomas Drive in Panam City that resulted in the permanent disfigurement of a victim.
A Bay County Sheriff’s deputy responded to Buster’s Beer and Bait at 5900 Thomas Drive at about 5:00 PM about the incident and arrived to find that several victims had been battered by a man who then displayed a firearm that had been tucked into his waistband.
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The suspect threatened to kill an employee at the business. The man fled the business with his girlfriend, who drove them away quickly before police arrived.
The deputy identified the vehicle, and the information was sent to everyone on patrol. The identity of the suspects was not known at this point.
With only the vehicle information, BCSO Lt. Williams located the suspect vehicle, but probable cause was not yet established, and a positive identification of the suspects had not yet been made.
Lt. Williams obtained the identity of the occupants before they were released: James McCoy, age 35, of Tampa, and Holly Norris, age 33, of Ocoee, Florida.
Once probable cause was established and the suspects’ identities confirmed as the same people as those stopped previously by Lt. Williams, the vehicle was quickly re-located at 10512 Front Beach Road by Sergeant Turner.
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Witnesses to the incident told deputies that McCoy had been wearing an Outlaws leather vest before the assault. Once additional deputies arrived, contact was made with McCoy and Norris. McCoy attempted to conceal his identity to law enforcement before his arrest but was unsuccessful.
When McCoy was booked into jail, it was discovered that he was concealing a baggie of Fentanyl. McCoy was charged with Felony Battery (X2), Aggravated Assault, Simple Battery, Possession of Firearm While in Commission of a Felony, Unlawful Open Carry, Trafficking Fentanyl more than 14 grams, Possession of Marijuana less than 20 Grams, Possession of Paraphernalia. Additional charges for introducing the bag of fentanyl on his person were Possession of Fentanyl and Possession of Paraphernalia.
When McCoy was arrested, he was not in possession of the pistol he displayed at the scene. A search warrant was obtained on his vehicle and executed by Deputy Pierce. Found in the vehicle were trafficking amounts of Fentanyl (16.9 grams), Marijuana, Paraphernalia, and the firearm used.
Deputy Delaney assisted in the development of charges against McCoy and Norris in reference to the items found within the vehicle.
During this investigation, it was confirmed that McCoy claimed to be a part of a motorcycle gang identified as Outlaws and wore their colors.
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Holly Norris was also arrested and charged with Accessory After the Fact of a Felony, Trafficking Fentanyl more than 14 grams, Possession of Marijuana less than 20 Grams, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
“Due to the diligent efforts of each deputy involved in the response, investigation, apprehension, and search warrant related to this case, this dangerous individual was identified, located, and charged without incident and before additional members of the public could be victimized,” said BCSO.
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club, incorporated as the American Outlaws Association or its acronym, A.O.A., is an outlaw motorcycle club that was formed in McCook, Illinois, in 1935. It is one of the largest outlaw motorcycle clubs in the world and historic arch-rival of the Hells Angels.
The club’s membership is estimated to be around 7,200-8,000, with chapters in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. The Outlaws are known for their involvement in criminal activity, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence.
The club was founded in 1935 by a group of World War II veterans who were tired of the rules and regulations of mainstream motorcycle clubs. The Outlaws quickly gained a reputation for their rebellious attitude and willingness to break the law. In the 1960s, the club became involved in the drug trade and began to expand its membership.
The Outlaws’ rivalry with the Hells Angels is one of the most famous in the outlaw motorcycle club world. The two clubs have been involved in numerous violent clashes over the years, including the 1973 Rolling Thunder Run in Boston, which left one person dead.
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