Judge Delays Kehoe Trial To Allow Defense Preparation

A judge has delayed the trial of a man accused of shooting at Ohio police officers, to give the defense more time to prepare.

Judge William McCracken set a new trial date of Dec. 8 for Chevie Kehoe on charges from a shootout with police near Wilmington.

Kehoe was to have gone on trial Sept. 22 in Clinton County Common Pleas Court. His state public defenders requested the extension, Jerry McHenry, an assistant public defender, said Wednesday.

Kehoe and his brother Cheyne Kehoe, formerly of Colville, Wash., are accused of firing at officers twice Feb. 15 in the Wilmington area. A videotape of the first encounter was broadcast nationally.

Chevie Kehoe has said the officers followed him and fired first. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, whose trooper was involved in the shooting, has declined to comment until the case goes to trial.

The brothers and their families eluded capture for three months.

Chevie Kehoe, captured in Utah and returned to Ohio in July, has pleaded innocent to 11 felony charges. Cheyne Kehoe, 21, has been given until Sept. 12 in Spokane to decide whether he will fight transfer to Ohio for trial.

Both brothers are charged with attempted murder of a police officer, felonious assault and carrying a concealed weapon. Chevie Kehoe also is charged with possession of criminal tools, improper transportation of a firearm and fleeing.