La Grande crime spree involving teens ends with multiple arrests
By Joe Hathaway on Saturday, May 25th, 2024 in Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release by La Grande Police Department) On Friday, May 24th, 2024, between 12:50 PM and 3:20 PM, the La Grande Police Department (LGPD) responded to multiple 911 calls reporting attacks by unknown individuals in a white pickup truck.
The callers reported that the suspects were using a sling shot or a BB gun to shoot at them. LGPD officers promptly responded to each incident and gathered comprehensive witness statements.
During the investigation, it was determined that one victim had sustained minor injuries after being hit by several BBs in her right leg and left arm. It was also noted that the driver of the suspect vehicle was driving at high speeds during the attacks.
Based on detailed descriptions from victims and witnesses, officers successfully located the suspect vehicle, a white 2002 Dodge Ram 1500, on Cherry Street near X Avenue in La Grande. At 3:24 PM, officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, which was operated by Jennifer Johnson, 18, of La Grande. Three juvenile males were also in the vehicle with her. All occupants cooperated with the police.
Officers seized four sling shots and over 100 quarter-inch sized BBs from the suspect vehicle. The BBs were consistent with the shape and size of a BB recovered at the scene of the injured victim. Throughout the investigation, it was revealed that the suspects had shot at a minimum of five different individuals, with one person sustaining injuries.
Jennifer Johnson has been arrested and charged with: Reckless Driving, Assault IV, Attempted Assault IV (2 counts), Reckless Endangering (3 counts), Disorderly Conduct II (3 counts), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (3 counts) and Criminal Conspiracy. She has been lodged into the Union County Jail.
The three juvenile males in the vehicle, along with two other juveniles involved, have been cited for Assault IV, Attempted Assault IV (2 counts), Reckless Endangering (3 counts), Disorderly Conduct II (3 counts), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (3 counts) and Criminal Conspiracy. The juveniles were released to their parents and referred to the Union County Juvenile Department.
This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Officer Damian Hernandez at the La Grande Police Department at 541-963-1017.
