A late evening report of gunfire along Gold Ray Road led to a fast-moving law enforcement response and the arrests of two separate suspects in unrelated incidents, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the sequence began at approximately 8:44 p.m. on April 30, when Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon received a call reporting a confrontation between a man and a driver. The caller indicated the man was yelling about the driver’s speed before discharging a firearm into the ground and then in the direction of the vehicle.
Deputies responding to the area quickly identified a truck matching the suspect description leaving the scene at a high rate of speed. Law enforcement initiated a pursuit as the vehicle traveled toward Gold Hill. During the chase, spike strips were deployed, successfully disabling the truck’s tires. Despite the damage, the driver continued northbound on Interstate 5, traveling on the vehicle’s rims before eventually coming to a stop.
The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but deputies apprehended him shortly afterward. He was identified as 38-year-old Jay William Oncher-Fontaine of Wolf Creek. According to the sheriff’s office, Oncher-Fontaine had multiple outstanding felony warrants at the time of his arrest and showed signs of impairment. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on his warrants, along with additional charges that include attempting to elude law enforcement, driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, and related offenses.
Following the arrest, deputies determined that Oncher-Fontaine was not connected to the reported shooting incident. Investigators returned to the Gold Ray Road area to continue their search for the individual involved in the initial complaint.
A second vehicle matching the original description was later located, and deputies conducted a traffic stop. The driver, identified as 28-year-old Frank Pennisi of Bandon, was taken into custody without incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two firearms.
According to the sheriff’s office, Pennisi admitted to discharging a weapon in the area and told investigators he had become frustrated with drivers traveling at high speeds. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges of menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, and reckless endangering.
The incident drew a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including the Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, Central Point Police Department, and Rogue River Police Department.
No injuries were reported in connection with the events. Officials confirmed that both cases remain under active investigation, and no additional details have been released.