FLAGSTAFF — Two people are in custody and one person in stable condition after two citizens shot at a suspected DUI driver on SR87 near milepost 278.
On Monday June 27, 2016 around 2:30 pm the Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) of a shooting that occurred on SR87 near milepost 278. The DPS Troopers had two male subjects detained who were involved in the shooting. Medics were tending to a male victim who had received a gunshot wound to the chest. A Sheriff’s Office Detective responded from our Flagstaff office to investigate the incident.
38-year-old Shane A Tebo and 28-year-old Brandon M. Vongthongthip (both of Phoenix, AZ) were traveling north on SR87 when they observed what they believed to be a DUI driver traveling behind them who they reported was swerving in and out of his lane. They called 911 to report the driver, and an attempt to locate was dispatched to DPS Troopers in the area. Mr. Tebo was driving at the time, and attempted to slow or block the suspected DUI driver. At one point, the suspect DUI driver drove off the road into a ditch. At that time, Mr. Tebo drove his vehicle up next to the vehicle in the ditch to block the driver from returning to the road.
Mr. Tebo and Mr. Vongthongthip both were openly carrying Glock firearms and ammunition on their belts. Mr. Tebo exited his vehicle and attempted to take the keys from the suspected DUI driver whose vehicle was still running, but he could not get between the vehicles.
The vehicle being driven by the suspected DUI driver, 31-year-old Jesse G. Olsson (of Payson, AZ), apparently moved forward. At that time, Mr. Tebo shot several rounds into the engine block of the car trying to stop the car and the driver. The vehicle moved forward again at which time Mr. Vongthongthip fired several shots from his passenger seat at the suspected DUI driver. The driver of the DUI vehicle suffered a gunshot wound to his chest.
Around this time, an Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle and crew had observed the two vehicles in the ditch and had turned around to offer assistance. They observed the weapons and a person on the ground. They radioed their dispatch who contacted DPS. DPS Troopers responded, secured the scene and detained the two shooters.
Medical personnel from Pine-Strawberry Fire and Medics continued to treat the victim who was then airlifted by DPS Air Rescue to John C. Lincoln hospital. The victim Mr. Olsson is in stable condition but has not been able to give a statement to investigators. Detectives continue the investigation into the possible role of DUI in this incident.
Shane A Tebo and Brandon M. Vongthongthip were booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility in Flagstaff, AZ. Mr. Tebo was booked on Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conduct with a Weapon, and Disorderly Conduct. Mr. Vongthongthip was booked on Second Degree (Attempted) Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conduct with a Weapon and Disorderly Conduct.