The reckless endangerment case in which an Oakfield man is accused of firing a gun at another man was sent to the Madison County grand jury Thursday, according to a news release from the Jackson Police Department.
Spencer Johnson, 54, remains out on a $15,000 bond after being charged with reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon for discharging a gun in a crowded area in late October. the release said.
During Johnson's preliminary hearing Thursday, the judge determined there was probable cause and sent the case to the action of the grand jury following the testimony of a woman who witnessed the incident and a Jackson Police officer, the release said.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on October 20. Around 6:50 p.m., police were on foot in the area of Lexington and North Hayes avenues due to the large crowd that had gathered following the Lane College homecoming parade and football game. Officers heard a gunshot and pedestrians were pointing out and yelling at a black Mercedes. An officer stopped the car and identified the driver as Johnson.
Johnson was questioned by the officer, the release said. He acknowledged that he had pulled his handgun but denied firing it. The officer examined Johnson's gun and suspected that he may have fired it. Johnson was not arrested at the time because there was not a witness who immediately identified him as shooting his gun.
Investigators developed the case and the investigation has revealed that Johnson bumped an unidentified man with his car who was standing in the road. Johnson and the man argued. The man then spit toward Johnson's sunroof opening. Johnson subsequently pulled a pistol and fired one shot at the man, who ran away and was not hit. The man who was shot at remains unidentified.
Johnson surrendered at the Jackson Police Department on Nov. 9.
The release said charges were pursued based upon Johnson placing the general public in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury by discharging his gun in a crowded area.
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