FRESNO, Calif. - Travis Ryan Keene, 36, of Washington state, was sentenced on Aug. 29, 2016, by United States District Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill to seven and a half years in prison to be served consecutively to a previous sentence from Washington state of three years and seven months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on March 24, 2015, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Deputy U.S. Marshals observed Keene pumping gas at a local truck stop in Tehachapi, California. Deputies had a valid outstanding warrant for Keene’s arrest from Washington, but when they attempted to arrest him, he immediately sped off in a vehicle striking two USMS vehicles. Deputies gave chase for approximately 15 miles at high speeds through various side roads and into the hills of Tehachapi. Keene finally stopped at a residence and fled the vehicle on foot carrying a Ruger.357-caliber revolver. Deputies pursued Keene into the backyard of the residence, ordered him to the ground, and took him into custody without further incident. Deputies located the firearm as well as an additional 92 rounds of ammunition within close proximity to where deputies arrested Keene.
In sentencing Keene, Judge O’Neill stated that the length of the sentence was due in large part to the reckless and dangerous behavior of Keene, which could have resulted in the injury or death of federal law enforcement officers or innocent civilians. Judge O’Neill stated that such behavior must be severely punished.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Delaney prosecuted the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
