Opelika, Alabama – A local man has been charged following a violent incident early Thursday that left a woman in fear and her vehicle riddled with gunfire. Jonathan Collins Donnan, 32, now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and shooting into an unoccupied vehicle, as well as first-degree criminal mischief.
Authorities reported that Donnan was taken into custody after being released from East Alabama Medical Center. He was then questioned by the Opelika Police, who are seeking to impose the highest bond possible due to concerns for the safety of both the victim and the community.
The violent episode occurred in downtown Opelika, where police allege that Donnan intentionally struck the victim’s vehicle from behind on Avenue B near South 10th Street. Witnesses say that after the woman exited her car to inspect the damage, Donnan accelerated towards her, prompting her to leap onto the hood of her vehicle to avoid being hit.
As the victim attempted to escape the scene, police mentioned that Donnan pursued her, again trying to strike her. She managed to flee and call 911, prompting an immediate police response. Upon investigation, officers found multiple bullet holes in her car, indicating that gunfire had erupted after she left the area.
Simultaneously, dispatch received numerous reports regarding erratic behavior in the vicinity of South 10th Street and Avenue B. A responding officer subsequently stopped a Nissan 350Z driving recklessly. Donnan, the driver, was seen waving a rifle and shouting nonsensically from inside the vehicle, raising further alarm.
During the encounter, police suspected that Donnan was under the influence of an unknown substance, which added to the potential dangers of the situation. Authorities recovered several firearms from his vehicle, further complicating the case.
Detectives are urging anyone with additional information regarding this incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted directly to the Opelika Police Department’s Detective Division at 334-705-5220, or through the department’s mobile app, as law enforcement continues to investigate this disturbing event.