Man officially charged in downtown Opelika vehicle, shooting attack
Opelika investigators have officially charged the male suspect involved in a downtown vehicle and shooting attack.
The incident began around 3:47 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, when a woman was rear-ended on Avenue B. When she exited her vehicle, the male driver accelerated toward her, forcing her to jump out of the way and onto his car. The suspect then followed her and attempted to strike her again before she escaped and called 9-1-1.
Opelika police located the suspect, 32-year-old Jonathan Collins Donnan, driving erratically in a Nissan 350Z and initiated a traffic stop. Officers reported Donnan was waving a rifle and yelling incoherently and appeared to be under the influence. Multiple firearms were found in his possession, and bullet holes were later discovered in the victim’s vehicle.
Donnan was transported to East Alabama Medical Center and remains in police custody pending multiple charges. The victim was treated at the scene and sustained only minor injuries.
Donnan was released from the hospital and taken immediately to the Lee County Jail, where he was charged with attempted murder, shooting into an unoccupied vehicle, and criminal mischief in the first degree.
“Officers are treating this incident with extreme seriousness, exploring all elements, including possible sentencing enhancements,” police said.
Investigators say they are requesting that Donnan be “held on the highest possible bond to ensure the safety of the community and the victim.” It appears the attempted murder charge has a bond amount of $75,000, the criminal mischief charge has a bond amount of $3,000, and the firearm discharge has a bond amount of $5,000, but it appears Donnan is not eligible for bond payment.
Donnan completed rookie class at Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department in November of 2025.
The department issued a statement on social media saying the “individual involved in this mornings incident in Opelika is not currently affiliated with our department and has not been an active member.”
The investigation into the attack remains ongoing. If you have any information about this incident, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App.
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