Defense: Police aroused biker's suspicion

Defense: Police aroused biker's suspicion

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By Elissa Harrington

EUGENE, Ore. - One of the presidents of a motorcycle gang often called the nation's most dangerous was in Lane County Court Tuesday for allegedly trying to run police detectives off the road.

His lawyer is saying his client acted legally in protection of his property.

Justin DeLoretto, 26, is the defendant. Police arrested him and two others back in April for allegedly trying to run two undercover investigators off Interstate 5.

At the time, police said DeLoretto was a member or associate of the Mongols Motorcycle Club.

Friends and family showed up for the hearing Tuesday. DeLoretto's identical twin brother Jeremey took the stand to defend his brother.

In April, detectives said they believed the men knew they were cops and forced them off the road to make a statement and to try and build their reputation.

Police originally charged DeLoretto with two counts of attempted assault. He is standing trial on a variety of charges, including reckless driving, menacing and recklessly endangering another.

Jeremy DeLoretto defended his brother by saying they had no idea who was in the car and the only reason they were following it in the first place is because they'd spotted the vehicle on their property and wanted to know who was inside.
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