In February 1997, rural Wilmington, Ohio, became the unlikely stage for a dramatic and chilling shootout when two white supremacist brothers, Chevie and Cheyne Kehoe, were pulled over by state troopers. The traffic stop quickly escalated into an intense exchange of gunfire, captured live on cruiser dashcams. What began as a routine check for expired tags turned into a violent standoff, pushing local, state, and federal law enforcement into a full-scale manhunt. The Kehoe brothers’ spree would soon draw national attention, ultimately uncovering a web of hate-driven crime and sparking discussions about domestic terrorism.
Who Were the Kehoe Brothers?
Chevie and Cheyne Kehoe were followers of the Aryan Peoples’ Republic a white supremacist group tied to extremist beliefs and violent actions. Chevie, the elder at 24, had already become a target for authorities suspected of serious crimes, including the brutal murder of a firearms dealer and his family in Arkansas in 1996. Cheyne, aged 20, also embraced the same ideology and was known to participate in his brother’s activities.
The Wilmington Shootout
Traffic Stop Turns Deadly
On February 15, 1997, Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper John Harold Harker stopped the brothers’ Chevrolet Suburban for expired Washington tags. Chevie initially complied but then tried to flee. During the ensuing struggle, Cheyne stepped out and fired a handgun at Deputy Robert Gates, allowing Chevie to jump into the Suburban and escape. A second shootout followed shortly in a nearby parking lot with Officer Rick Wood and Sgt. Robert Martin. A bystander, Frank Marsden, was struck in the shoulder by stray gunfire.
- Both brothers were armed with high-powered rifles, including AR-15s.
- The brothers escaped on foot into the surrounding woods and remained at large.
Law Enforcement Response
The scattered gunfight triggered a massive manhunt involving multiple agencies: local police, Ohio State Patrol, FBI, ATF, and Arkansas authorities. Surveillance footage from a trooper’s cruiser dramatically aired nationwide, capturing the tension and ferocity of the encounter.
Capture and Surrender
Four months later, Cheyne surrendered in Washington state and directed law enforcement to Chevie, who was arrested in Utah. Both were then extradited to Ohio.
Prosecution and Sentencing
In Ohio, the brothers faced charges for assault with intent to murder police officers. Cheyne received a 24-year sentence for the Ohio shootout, though he was released in 2008. Chevie took a plea deal and was also sentenced, but his legal woes escalated in Arkansas, where he was convicted of the triple murder of William and Nancy Mueller and their daughter Sarah Powell. In 1999, he received three consecutive life sentences without parole.
Broader Crimes and White Supremacist Links
The ATF details reveal the Kehoe brothers’ crimes extended beyond the Ohio shootout: multiple murders, kidnappings, firearms violations, and armed robberies across a five-state area. They used the proceeds to buy a property intended as a militant training base for the Aryan Peoples’ Republic. Their mother later became a key witness, testifying against them in court.
Impact and Legacy
The Wilmington shootout remains a vivid reminder of the threat posed by domestic extremist groups. Dashcam footage airing on shows like *The FBI Files* and *World’s Scariest Police Shootouts* underscored how far-right ideology can escalate to violent confrontations.
Law Enforcement Lessons
- Traffic stops can escalate rapidly when suspects are armed and ideologically motivated.
- Dashcam and in-car recording provide compelling evidence and transparency.
- Multi-agency coordination is vital in managing domestic terrorist threats.
Continuing Threat of Extremism
The Kehoe brothers’ case highlighted how white supremacist ideology can inspire terror within American communities. It remains a reference point in studies on domestic extremism, radicalization, and community protection strategies.
The Kehoe brothers’ Ohio shootout was more than a violent escape it was a flashpoint revealing the dangerous intersection of firearms, ideology, and everyday policing. The dashcam-recorded firefight brought national attention to the capacity of domestic extremists to commit swift, lethal violence in routine settings. Thanks to coordinated law enforcement efforts, the Kehoes were eventually captured and held accountable not just for assaulting officers, but for murder and terrorism rooted in their white supremacist beliefs. Their story serves as a stark lesson on the persistent threat of extremist violence and the importance of preparedness by law enforcement and community institutions.