OhioPolice: New Casino Bringing Rival Gangs To Tri-State,

OFF THE WIRE
Source: wlwt.com
Motorcycle Gangs Expect Increase In Drugs, Prostitution

CINCINNATI -- The Tri-State has become battle grounds for motorcycle gangs. It's a turf war that leaves others at risk of being caught in crossfire.

While the Iron Horsemen have existed in Cincinnati for decades, the Detroit Highwaymen are now hoping to claim ground, police said. As the two fight it out, already dozens of Tri-State residents have been put in danger, including police officers.

"They definitely knew we were the police and did not care," said Kathy Harrell, FOP president.

In September, well-known Iron Horsemen Harry Seavey shot at two Cincinnati police officers. He was killed by return fire. The officers were hospitalized. During that crossfire at JD's Honky Tonk, two children were inside the pub. Harrell warns that type of disregard for authority and life may increase as droves of Iron Horsemen and Detroit Highwaymen ride into Cincinnati.

"For anyone to think the Iron Horsemen are not involved in criminal activity is ludicrous. There was a shootout in Maine. They're very active all over this country," Harrell said.

The Drug Enforcement Agency was investigating tensions between the Iron Horsemen and Highwaymen long before Seavey pulled the trigger. In 2008, members of the Iron Horsemen gang were arrested for selling meth and speed in Kentucky. In 2009, another 15 members were convicted drug trafficking in Maine. Now police warn the violence and illegal trades may hit close to home.

"We definitely wouldn't want to see it at one of our local taverns, or at a park, or someone's home, but there's always that possibility we can't rule it out," said Brown County Chief Deputy John Schadle.

Motorcycle gang alerts stretch well beyond the Cincinnati limits. In Clermont County, the Lakehouse Jamie's Bar owner described nine members of the Highwaymen attacking two Iron Horsemen while patrons watched in awe.

"They were just after two guys. One gang after another gang. Nine of them after two of the others, beat the heck out of them then they left," said bar owner Pete Baker.

The gangs are prevalent in rural areas like Brown and Clermont counties.

"We've got some people living here in Brown County that are affiliated with the Iron Horsemen. We've got some others who are affiliated with other biker gangs," Schadle said. "We have a history of a meth problem here in Brown County, which is no different than some of the other rural counties and anytime you have meth, that tends to be the drug of choice of biker gangs," Schadle said.

But the activity is not in just one part of the Tri-State. Officers charged Paul Bryant with brewing drugs in a Sedamsville home. He was later tied to the Iron Horsemen.

On the west side of town, citizens complain of many disturbances tied to the motorcycle gangs. Across the river, more of the same.

"We would just kind of like to keep those tensions out of our community. I think our officers have done a good job so far," said Covington Police Lieutenant Colonel Michael Spike Jones.

Covington police know motorcycle gangs dwell in their city. One of the Iron Horsemen's clubhouses is nestled there.

"Our officers are very cognitive and aware of these gangs and they make note of it on a regular basis," said Jones.

As conflict intensifies, both gangs call upon more bikers from out-of-state. This could leave residents around Cincinnati seeing patches of gangs from all over. Several have already been documented visiting.

Members from each side of this turf war make it clear: its not over. Police recognize the implications and ask for your help.

"We don't want them putting themselves at risk, but we would like to find out what they have observed and hopefully we can intercede and stop violence from breaking out," said Jones.

As far as why the surge in gang members coming to town, officers told News 5 it's because these gang members believe more drugs and prostitution will follow Cincinnati's new casino, currently under construction. And the rival gangs want to be the ones making money off those illegal deals.