LEBANON, Ore. – A man from Oklahoma is facing multiple charges following a high-speed chase and reckless behavior that escalated into a shooting incident in Linn County on the evening of April 12.
According to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), deputies received a 911 call at approximately 7:07 p.m. reporting that a black Ford Mustang was seen shooting at a deer near Honey Sign Drive, located just outside Lebanon. The vehicle was later observed driving erratically, performing burnouts, and racing through the area. Deputies, who were already responding to an unrelated disturbance at the time, were able to spot the Mustang traveling at an alarming speed of 117 miles per hour toward Albany, but lost sight of it shortly afterward.
As the pursuit unfolded, additional reports surfaced, including a hit-and-run collision involving the Mustang and a 2018 Mercedes. Deputies were able to trace the Mustang to Goldfish Farm Road, where it had been abandoned. Upon arrival, authorities discovered that three individuals had fled the vehicle on foot.
Authorities identified the suspects as William Franklin, 19, of Oklahoma, Mason Guidry, 20, of Louisiana, and Justin Franklin, 36, also from Oklahoma. William Franklin and Guidry were apprehended without incident. However, Justin Franklin, the driver of the Mustang, initially resisted arrest.
In response to the escalating situation and concerns over a firearm involved in the incident, a K-9 unit was deployed to assist in the arrest. Franklin was eventually taken into custody, and it was confirmed that he had been the individual who shot at the deer using an AR-15 rifle.
Further investigation revealed that the rifle had been discarded and hidden in a nearby set of bushes. Evidence seized from the Mustang supported the charges, and Franklin was treated for dog bites sustained during his apprehension.
Justin Franklin now faces several charges, including attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, failing to perform the duties of a driver, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The LCSO stated that the investigation involved the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies.
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the incident, and Franklin remains in custody facing the serious consequences of his actions.
