Jerry and Joe Kane

“	I ran into a Nazi checkpoint in the middle of New Mexico where they were demanding papers or jail - that was the option. You either produce your papers or go to jail.	„
	~ Jerry Kane "explaining" his arrest for driving with no license.

Jerry R. Kane Jr. (1964 - 2010) and Joseph T. Kane (1993 - 2010) were a father-son duo who shot and killed two police officers during a traffic stop in West Memphis. Arkansas police identified the Kanes as members of the anti-government Sovereign Citizen movement. Both of the Kanes were killed by police before they could be arrested.

History

Jerry Kane was the owner of a debt evasion business. He was married to Donna Lee Kane and they had one child, Joe Kane. Due to Kane's radical anti-government views, Joe was brought up to distrust the police. By age 9, Joe Kane knew the Bill of Rights off by heart.

Jerry Kane travelled the country giving lectures on how to "forestall foreclosures", falsely teaching people that they could get out of paying back car loans etc. by following his advice and that they could simply sign a quitclaim deed and live in their houses mortgage-free. He had an extensive arrest record, including an incident in 2006 where he was charged with forgery and car theft by deception. Kane also had arrests ranging from expired tags to felonious assault, and had been sentenced to perform six days of community service for driving with no license or seatbelt.

In April 2010, Jerry Kane was arrested at a New Mexico checkpoint for driving without a license and then trying to conceal his identity. He was released on bail and told to return for his court date. Kane later appeared on an internet radio show in which he compared the officers to Nazis and expressed an intention to sue the police department for "kidnapping and extortion". When he failed to appear for his court date, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On May 20, 2010, the Kanes were pulled over in West Memphis, Arkansas, and officer Bill Evans tried to frisk Jerry Kane. Kane attacked Evans and pushed him into a ditch. Joe Kane, who was now aged 16, got out of the van and opened fire with an AK-47, shooting and fatally injuring Evans. Evans's partner, officer Brandon Paudert, shot at Joe Kane with his pistol, but Kane followed him behind the police cruiser and shot him several times in the head. The Kanes then drove away, with Joe firing on the downed officers. Paudert died at the scene, while Evans later died in the hospital.

During the ensuing manhunt, a witness reported seeing the minivan driven by the Kanes at a Walmart. After removing the number plates and making a purchase, the Kanes prepared to leave. Officers W. A. Wren and Dick Busby confronted the Kanes, who fired on and injured them. Wildlife Officer Michael K. Neal then rammed the Kanes with his vehicle and prevented the van from leaving, miraculously avoiding injury. Neal then fired into the van, shooting Joe Kane in the head and chest. Jerry Kane was badly wounded, but still tried to fire on officers with the AK. Deputy Darrell Prewitt then shot Kane in the neck, killing him. Wren and Busby both fully recovered from their injuries.