West Norriton Shooting at Wawa Leads to Arrest of Nine Pagans Gang Members
WEST NORRITON TWP., Pa. — Nine members of the Pagans Outlaw Motorcycle Gang have been arrested and charged in connection with a violent shooting at the Wawa convenience store located at 2544 West Main Street, Montgomery County. The incident, which occurred on the evening of October 17, involved members of the rival Unknown Bikers Outlaw Motorcycle Gang and left six individuals wounded — including two innocent bystanders.
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the arrests were announced Friday, and the nine suspects face multiple felony counts including aggravated assault, riot, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person. The individuals charged include:
- George Cwienk III, 51, Bridgeport
- Joel Hernandez-Martinez, 36, Bridgeport
- George Hripto Jr., 50, Bridgeport
- Jason Lawless, 45, Bridgeport
- Manuel Baez-Santos, 34, Norristown
- Erik Dixon, 33, King of Prussia
- Luke Higgins, 29, Dauberville
- Justin Noll, 34, Reading
- Erik Rosenberger, 46, East Greenville
Investigators allege that at approximately 9:08 p.m., two members of the Unknown Bikers pulled into the Wawa parking lot to fill up their motorcycles. Moments later, video footage shows the Pagans arriving in unison, riding together down Ridge Pike, then entering through a second entrance to the lot. Some blocked exit routes while others surrounded the rival gang members. A physical confrontation ensued, during which the Pagans attempted to remove the “cuts” — the leather vests with gang patches — worn by the Unknown Bikers. Shortly thereafter, gunfire erupted.
In the chaos that followed, six people were struck by gunfire: a man pumping air at a tire was shot in the face, and a woman standing near the store’s entrance was hit in the torso. Among the wounded were also members of the Pagan gang: Hernandez-Martinez suffered a chest wound; Cwienk was shot in the ankle; and Noll was wounded in the foot.
Following the incident, law enforcement responded swiftly. Several suspects were apprehended within a short timeframe, some of whom required medical treatment for injuries sustained during the altercation. Bail was set at $500,000 cash for most of the defendants, while Noll’s bail was set at $50,000 unsecured due to his ongoing medical care.
The arrests mark a significant move in the broader effort by the District Attorney’s office and law enforcement to crack down on outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) in the region. Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an orchestrated act rather than a spontaneous dispute. Surveillance footage, witness testimony, and shell-casing analysis are all being used to build the case.
Despite the multiple injuries, no fatalities have been confirmed in this incident. However, the nature of the attack and the involvement of bystanders have heightened concerns among local residents and business owners. The Wawa location, once a late-night stop for travelers and locals alike, has become the focal point of an ongoing investigation into gang violence and public endangerment.
In a statement, officials reminded the public that anyone with information — especially witnesses or those who may have relevant video footage — should contact the Montgomery County Detective Bureau or submit an anonymous tip. They stressed that even small details can help build momentum in complex gang-related prosecutions.
As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits the preliminary hearing scheduled for November 10, 2025. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue to patrol and monitor outlaw motorcycle gang activity in the county, reinforcing the message that violent public displays of rivalry will face swift consequences.
The arrests of these nine individuals send a strong message about accountability and public safety. Yet for the victims and for the community, the repercussions of that October night at the Wawa will likely linger for years to come.