SOUTH PORTLAND – Harry Seavey Jr.’s friends and fellow bikers plan to gather at noon today to pay their respects to the longtime member of the Iron Horsemen, who was fatally shot by police in Ohio.

South Portland Police Chief Ed Googins said one of his officers spoke with an attorney who represents the Iron Horsemen and was told that several hundred could attend the visiting hours at Hobbs Funeral Home at 230 Cottage Road.

“That could pose some issues for us, particularly as it relates to parking and traffic,” he said. “We are trying to make sure we have a plan in place so that it will have minimal impact in the community, much like we would do for any large funeral.”

Historically, funerals for members of motorcycle groups have been low-key affairs with few problems, police said.

“Funerals tend to be very well organized and well behaved, but it will be concerning to folks so we want them to know,” Googins said.

Police said Seavey’s death in a shootout with police does afford him some status beyond what a death from natural causes might. That could create a heavier turnout.

After Thomas Mayne, an officer in the Outlaws, was killed by police during a raid at his house in Old Orchard Beach in June, mourners gathered at the group’s clubhouse in Dayton, then embarked on a memorial ride. Later, a smaller group gathered at a funeral chapel for a service.

The Iron Horsemen don’t have a clubhouse in this area.

The gathering at the funeral home could be problematic because of the heavy traffic on Cottage Road, Googins said. The graveside service at Forest City Cemetery on Wednesday shouldn’t be disruptive because it is easy to detour traffic in the Lincoln Street area, he said.

Seavey was shot Sept. 18 in a gunbattle with police outside JD’s Honkey Tonk and Emporium in Cincinnati. Two officers and another biker were injured.

Cincinnati police said they received complaints from businesses about the Iron Horsemen gathering in establishments in that section of the city. Authorities said they worried about a violent confrontation between the Iron Horsemen and a rival group.

The shooting erupted as police arrived. Police said Seavey fired at the officers, many of whom were in plain clothes.

Seavey’s obituary described him as “the life of the party” and the “go to man.” It said he is mourned by a large family and his fellow bikers.

An article posted on the website Bikers of America says Seavey’s nickname was “Dirty Harry” and he was an enforcer with the Iron Horsemen in Cincinnati.

The article also says many Iron Horsemen would be heading east for his funeral.

Staff Writer David Hench can be contacted at 791-6327 or at:

dhench@pressherald.com