Jackson County, Oregon – Two men were arrested in separate incidents following a reported shots-fired call that triggered a pursuit and multi-agency response near Gold Hill on Thursday night, authorities said.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, 911 dispatchers received a call around 8:44 p.m. reporting a man confronted a driver on Gold Ray Road, yelling about speed before allegedly firing a gun into the ground and then toward the vehicle.
Deputies responding to the area spotted a truck matching the suspect description leaving at a high rate of speed, prompting a pursuit. Authorities said spike strips were deployed, but the vehicle continued northbound on Interstate 5 before eventually stopping. The driver then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.
According to officials, the driver was identified as 38-year-old Jay William Oncher-Fontaine of Wolf Creek. He allegedly had multiple felony warrants and showed signs of impairment. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on his warrants along with additional charges including attempting to elude, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and reckless driving.
Investigators later determined Oncher-Fontaine was not involved in the shooting. Deputies returned to the area and located a second vehicle matching the original description. During a traffic stop, authorities arrested 28-year-old Frank Pennisi of Bandon.
According to deputies, a search of the vehicle uncovered two firearms. Pennisi allegedly admitted to firing the weapon out of frustration with speeding drivers. He was jailed on charges including menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, and reckless endangering.
The investigation remains ongoing.
