Pagans Motorcycle Club Defendant Seeks Separate Trial in Wawa Shooting Case

Defense claims Upper Merion man remained seated on motorcycle and did not participate in violent confrontation.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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One of nine alleged members of the Pagans Outlaw Motorcycle Club charged in connection with an October 2025 shooting outside a Wawa in West Norriton is asking a judge to grant him a separate trial, arguing his alleged role in the confrontation was minimal compared to the other defendants.

Why it matters

The case has drawn significant attention in Montgomery County courts, with all nine defendants facing identical charges connected to the incident. The joint trial is currently expected to last about four weeks, and the defense is arguing that evidence presented against the other defendants could unfairly prejudice a jury against their client.

The details

Erik Dixon, 33, of Upper Merion, filed a motion in Montgomery County Court seeking to sever his case from the other eight defendants. Defense attorney Abraham A. Hobson III argued in court filings that Dixon remained seated on his motorcycle during the incident and did not engage in the fight, display a weapon or commit any overt act. According to the defense, Dixon was present at the scene for just 23 seconds before fleeing when gunfire erupted.

  • On October 17, 2025, at 9:12 p.m., West Norriton Township Police were dispatched to the Wawa, 2544 W. Main St., for a reported shooting.
  • On Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:08 p.m., two Unknown Bikers members arrived at the Wawa to refuel, and at 9:10 p.m., nine Pagans arrived together.

The players

Erik Dixon

A 33-year-old from Upper Merion who is one of the nine alleged members of the Pagans Outlaw Motorcycle Club charged in connection with the shooting.

Abraham A. Hobson III

The defense attorney for Erik Dixon.

Bradley Walter Deckel

One of the prosecutors in the case.

Libby Ann Hemler

One of the prosecutors in the case.

Risa Vetri Ferman

The judge presiding over the case.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Erik Dixon a separate trial from the other eight defendants.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of prosecuting alleged gang-related violence, with the defense arguing that their client's minimal involvement could be unfairly overshadowed by the more serious allegations against the other defendants.