Hells Angels prospect charged for alleged threats against Calgary police

A Hells Angels prospect has been charged withuttering threats against two Calgary police officers.

According to police, Robert Herring, 36, was arrested on an unrelated matter in early December and on the way to the arrest processing unithe "allegedly uttered threats against one of the officers in the car."

The next day at his bail hearing,he threatened another officer in the courtroom, police say.

"The accused used the fear associated to the [Hells Angels] reputation for violence, telling the officers that he had done extensive research on them, including on their home addresses," according to a police news release.

'Clothing and weight of the Hells Angels'

Herring was wearing what police saywas "support gear associated with the Hells Angels"during both incidents, adding he is a "self-admitted prospect for the outlaw motorcycle gang."

"The threats in this circumstance went above and beyond what our members normally have to endure or put up with," said Insp. Phil Hoetger.

"And then the additional piece here being that the member was using the clothing and the weight of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, the organized crime group, to support his threats."

What is a prospect?

A prospect is one step below a full member of the gang known as a full-patch member.

"A HAMC prospect does not have voting rights with the Hells Angels organization, however, participates in its criminal activities," according to police.

"Being a prospect is the final step prior to becoming a full-patch member of the HAMC. During the prospect period, the individual must prove his worth to the club, in order to earn full membership."

Herring was arrested on Dec. 19 for two counts of intimidation of a justice system participant and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 24.