DAYTON — York County Sheriff Maurice Ouellette said he has met with leaders of the Outlaw Motorcycle Association and doesn’t expect any problems when the bikers gather at their compound on Hollis Road for a memorial to a fallen brother Saturday.
The biker’s memorial for Thomas “Tomcat” Mayne, 58, who was killed in a shoot-out with federal agents one week ago, is expected to draw upwards of 250 members of the Outlaw Motorcycle Association to their clubhouse.
Ouellette said deputies have been knocking on neighbor’s doors, letting them know a crowd is expected at the Outlaw’s clubhouse.
“If people have the information they’re less likely to be apprehensive,” said Ouellette. “I’m not looking for real big issues with this.”
Mayne, of Old Orchard Beach, was killed when federal agents attempted to arrest him at his home on Sandy Circle June 15 at about 6 a.m. As agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives advanced on Mayne’s home to arrest him following an indictment on racketeering charges as part of a several-state roundup of alleged wrong-doers, they were fired upon and returned fire. Mayne was killed and the state Office of the Attorney General is investigating the use of deadly force by law enforcement, as it does in all such cases.
Mayne, a Vietnam veteran, was a self-employed lobsterman until be became disabled 10 years ago, according to his obituary. As well as riding with the Outlaws, he enjoyed playing guitar, fishing, playing hockey and gardening with his wife, Diane.
Ouellette said he expects the bikers will be arriving in groups of a few at a time. He said a large-scale “ride-in” is not expected.
A memorial visitation that Ouellette characterized as a family-oriented service has been set for 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Cathedral Pines Funeral Home on Saco Road in Old Orchard Beach.
The sheriff said he met with the leadership of the Red region of the Outlaws Friday, has been in telephone contact with them and is scheduled to meet with members again today for another discussion. He said he’s also met with area police chiefs, selectmen and rescue personnel in Dayton.
“They (the Outlaws) came into my office last Friday. I asked them what they were looking to do and if we continue to have open conversation, everything will go fine,” said Ouellette. He said he was guaranteed there would be no issues.
The sheriff said his agency has an operational plan in place, should unexpected difficulties arise.
He noted that in 2005, the Outlaws held a summer ride-in that saw about 3,000 motorcycles head for the Hollis Road compound. There were no public safety issues at that time, he said.
“We have direct communication into the clubhouse,” he said. Ouellette said the Outlaws will take care of any issues that take place onsite.
“We have a good conversation with them,” he said, adding he was told the gathering would be similar to an Irish wake.
“We’re not anticipating any problems,” said Dayton Selectman Ted Poirier. He said the Outlaws have owned the clubhouse on Hollis Road for several years.
“They’ve been here for a while and treated us fine,” said Poirier. “They come and go and we’ve never had any complaints. I’m not too concerned at this point. I think everything will be cool.”
Old Orchard Beach Deputy Police Chief Keith Babin said police will have extra patrol out on Saturday, but nothing in over abundance.
“We don’t anticipate any problems,” he said.
Babin said police have spoken to members of the Outlaws and like Ouellette, said the afternoon memorial visitation in Old Orchard Beach is expected to be a small service for family members. He said that he did not anticipate a large number of people coming into town for the memorial service.
Meanwhile, as news of the fatal shooting hit the airwaves June 15, Outlaw members from across the country and the world wrote notes of condolences on the club’s website, www.outlawsmc.com.
“Outlaws mc France Languedoc chapter send our deepest condolences to our Maine Brothers on the loss of Tomcat ”¦,” wrote a member from France.
“Rest In Peace Tomcat,” wrote another member.
Perhaps the most poignant posting came from an individual who identified herself as Mayne’s daughter.
“He will always be the ”˜gang member’ taken down by the ATF. But to me, he’ll always be Dad,” she wrote.
— Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com. Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf contributed to this story.
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