Linn County officials say an Oklahoma man fled from officers after shooting at a deer from a black Mustang at 117 mph on Saturday night.
Justin Franklin, 36, was arrested and charged with escaping, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, hit-and-run, and felony possession of a handgun. Two passengers in the vehicle, including Franklin’s son, were apprehended after fleeing the scene, according to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Just after 7 p.m., authorities got reports of someone shooting out their car’s glass near Honey Sign Drive in Lebanon.
“At the time of the call, deputies were responding to an unrelated disturbance when the black Mustang passed them at 117 mph traveling in the opposite direction towards Albany, passing vehicles in no-passing zones and driving recklessly. Deputies turned around to locate the vehicle but lost sight soon after,” authorities said. “During their search, dispatch received additional calls about the black Mustang to include a hit-and-run where the Mustang side-swiped a 2018 Mercedes and continued to leave the area.”
Officials claim the three males fled the automobile after the owner of the Mercedes discovered the Mustang in a driveway on Goldfish Farm Road in Albany.
Franklin’s son surrendered without difficulty, and Frankin and the other passenger were discovered in a nearby field. While the other passenger surrendered, authorities claim Franklin “refused to cooperate.”
“Due to statements and use of firearms previously, a Lebanon Police K9 was deployed to gain compliance from Justin Franklin who was taken into custody after being bit by the K9,” officials said.
Franklin was brought to a nearby hospital after being injured by dog attacks. He was then booked into Linn County Jail.
