Two Arrested After Gold Hill Shots-Fired Call
Jackson County deputies say one suspect was arrested after a pursuit, while a second unrelated suspect was later arrested in connection with the original shooting report.
GOLD HILL, Ore. — Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested two unrelated suspects Thursday night after a shots-fired menacing call near Gold Hill led to a pursuit and a separate arrest connected to the original report.
According to JCSO, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon 911 dispatch received a report at 8:44 p.m. on April 30 that a man had confronted a driver on Gold Ray Road. The caller reported that the man yelled about her speed before firing a gun into the ground and then toward her.
As deputies responded, they saw a truck matching the suspect vehicle description leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled toward Gold Hill.
Deputies used spike strips to disable the truck, but the vehicle continued north on Interstate 5 on its rims before eventually stopping. The driver then ran from the vehicle but was quickly arrested.
The driver was identified as Jay William Oncher-Fontaine, 38, of Wolf Creek. Deputies said he had multiple felony warrants and showed signs of impairment. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on his warrants and additional charges, including elude, driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, and other offenses.
After the arrest, deputies determined Oncher-Fontaine was not involved in the shooting.
Deputies returned to the area and located a second truck matching the original suspect vehicle description. During a traffic stop, deputies arrested Frank Pennisi, 28, of Bandon.
JCSO said a search of the vehicle found two firearms. Deputies said Pennisi admitted to shooting in the area and being upset about drivers traveling too fast.
Pennisi was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges of menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, and reckless endangering.
JCSO deputies were assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police, Central Point Police Department, and Rogue River Police Department.
Both cases remain under investigation.
Cover image provided by JCSO.
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