A dispute over anti‑Trump protest signs at a QuikTrip in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, allegedly escalated into a vehicular assault when police say Jason Ponnequin steered a Chevy Tahoe into a delivery driver’s vehicle. Jason was hospitalized and later arrested; Monica faces assault and conspiracy charges. Security footage and eyewitness accounts reportedly back up the police narrative, and investigators recovered two debit cards and a pepper‑ball "kinetic launcher" during a search. The investigation is ongoing as prosecutors pursue multiple felony charges.
Anti‑Trump Protesters Charged After Chevy Tahoe Allegedly Rams Vehicle at QuikTrip in Oklahoma
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A routine stop at a QuikTrip in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, over the weekend escalated into a criminal investigation after officials say a Chevrolet Tahoe was intentionally used to strike another vehicle, leaving one person hospitalized.
What Happened
Authorities say the confrontation began when Monica and Jason Ponnequin, who were holding anti‑Trump protest signs, were approached by a delivery driver. Police and local reports indicate the Ponnequins acknowledge throwing an object at the driver’s car. Officers say the driver then reversed and struck Jason Ponnequin, knocking him to the ground.
According to police, Jason returned to the Tahoe and deliberately steered the SUV into the delivery vehicle as it attempted to leave. Investigators treat the action as intentional vehicle‑ramming rather than an accident. Jason sustained injuries and was hospitalized before being taken into custody after his release from medical care.
Evidence and Investigation
Police say store security video corroborates their account of how the encounter escalated, and several eyewitnesses reported the same sequence of events. During a subsequent search, officers recovered two debit cards that did not belong to the Ponnequins and a device described as a "kinetic launcher" — a legal, pepper‑ball firing device resembling a handgun — which added complexity to the investigation.
Charges
Prosecutors have filed charges against both defendants. Monica Ponnequin faces charges of assault and conspiracy to commit a felony. Jason Ponnequin faces multiple counts, including throwing an object at a moving vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a felony, and malicious injury to property.
Officials note the "deadly weapon" allegation refers to the Tahoe itself; even a large, two‑ton SUV can be treated as a weapon under Oklahoma law if used to ram another vehicle.
Context And Caution
Incidents where vehicles are used to escalate disputes have appeared in towns across the country and typically end badly for those involved. Police urge people to avoid engaging in confrontations in public places such as parking lots, where witnesses and surveillance cameras can quickly convert a heated moment into criminal evidence.
The investigation remains active, and police say additional details will emerge as the case moves through the courts.
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