Man shot at deer with AR-15 while driving 117 mph in Linn County, deputies say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An Oklahoma man fled from officers after using an AR-15 to shoot at a deer out of a black Mustang while driving 117 mph on Saturday night, Linn County officials said.

Justin Franklin, 36, was arrested and charged with fleeing, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, hit-and-run and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Two passengers in the vehicle, including Franklin’s son, were also taken into custody after felling from the scene, according to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities received reports just after 7 p.m. of someone shooting out the window of their car in the area of Honey Sign Drive near 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 say that the three men fled from the car after the owner of the Mercedes located the Mustang in a driveway on Goldfish Farm Road near Albany.

Franklin’s son surrendered without incident, while Frankin and the other passenger were located in a nearby field. While the other passenger surrendered, authorities say 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 taken to a local hospital after being injured by the dog bites. He was then lodged in Linn County Jail.