OFF THE WIRE
CINCINNATI - Police sources said officers were aware of an increase in motorcycle gang activity months ago.
Bar owners first saw members of the Highwaymen and Iron Horsemen at their establishments in January 2010. Police acted on that information by attending training. They were also knowledgeable of the member who shot two Cincinnati police officers.
A bar owner agreed to speak about his concerns of the two gangs only if his name and the bar's name were protected. Channel 9 met the individual at his bar and was escorted through a back gate to the basement.
The owner said gang members started showing up in January.
"We had a couple motorcycle gang member come in and do a little surveillance on the bar. A few days later a lot of them came in. They didn't cause any trouble but it was very uncomfortable," he said.
The man recalled one day when four bikers entered while he described dozens of motorcycles and men gathered outside. He said those men stayed a short period then moved on to another bar in the neighborhood. He believes the groups are recruiting out of work residents.
"I think Chief Streicher has a little bit of time left but doesn't want to make any waves but I don't believe that's how the police force feels," he said.
Police sources told 9 News the department was not only aware of increased gang activity, but also that Harry Seavey, the Iron Horseman's national enforcer killed Saturday, could be hiding out in Cincinnati.
Multiple police sources said an internal memo several months ago alerted officers.
Those sources said officers were briefed at roll call and told of his possible involvement in a shootout with the ATF near Portland, Maine.
The June shooting followed a federal indictment of outlawed motorcycle gang members.
Just like the shootout that would follow in Cincinnati months later, ATF agents said they were met with gunfire when they showed up at a home where one gang member was killed.
The bar owner has a question for Chief Streicher.
"Why are we pandering to any gang activity that makes any citizen feel unsafe?" he asked.
original article
