Assault on Central Coast, July 29

News release from Newport PD. On July 25, 2015. Newport Police Officers were dispatched on a report of a domestic disturbance in a beach camp site near Jump Off Joe’s. A citizen walking heard a women screaming in a camp about 100 yards from the roadway near the ocean beach. A short time later the victim’s 13 year-old son appeared and asked for help. Police Officers arrived and learned the suspect, Jon Michael Jennette, age 28 of Newport, was living in the camp with his wife and three children, ages 13, 12, and 8. It was reported Jennette had been drinking, and became physically aggressive. At some point Jennette was asked by the family to leave the camp for the night. Jennett refused, and began being physically abusive. It was reported the Jennette had pushed his children to the ground, and kicked them when they asked that he leave. He also struck his wife in the face with a closed fist, and kicked her when she fell to the ground. During the altercation, Jennette used a pocket knife to slash his own wrist. He told the victim he was going to harm himself if she tried to leave him. The 13 year-old victim obtained a cell phone and tried to call 911 for help. Jennette grabbed the phone and threw it into the thick vegetation. The 13 year-old fled on foot and began knocking on doors to get help. Once the child had contacted a citizen that agreed to help, they returned to camp to remove the mother and siblings. The 13 year-old was able to lead the family up the trail to responding Police Officers. Jennette was taken into custody and transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital. He was treated and released for the self-inflicted wounds on his arm. He was then transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on the following charges: Fugitive from Other State; Assault IV (Felony); four counts of Harassment; and Interfering with Making a Report. His bail was set at $100,000.
The Newport Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident. Anyone with information about this event is encouraged to contact Officer Cummings at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856.