Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
On July 29, 2024. A deputy from the Bayfield County Sheriff's Department was dispatched to the report of a light pole that was struck by a vehicle. As the deputy was responding to the scene, he observed a vehicle with front end damage traveling in the wrong lane and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Another witness later called police and stated that the light pole was struck by a black Chevy Impala.
The vehicle did not stop for the deputy and continued to drive in the wrong lane. Multiple vehicles had to pull over to the shoulder of the road to avoid a head-on collision. Eventually, a deputy successfully deployed spike strips and the suspect vehicle came to a stop shortly after. Deputies conducted a high-risk stop and ordered the driver “Francis” to exit the vehicle and walk back to them. Francis complied and deputies were able to secure him in handcuffs.
While being searched, Francis mentioned that he had 2 prosthetic legs and that he had difficulties exiting the vehicle. A small silver container was located in Francis' pocket containing a white powdery substance, which later tested positive for meth/amphetamines. Francis had clammy skin and seemed to be disoriented. EMS was called and deemed that he was not having a medical emergency.
Francis consented to a blood draw and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. After medical clearance, Francis was transported to the Bayfield County Jail and read his Miranda Rights. Francis appeared to be falling asleep and the deputy agreed to come back later to allow him to rest.
The deputy came back and Francis agreed to answer questions. He said that a vehicle drove in front of him and he swerved to avoid the vehicle and struck the pole. When asked why he was driving into oncoming traffic, Francis said his vehicle kept pulling to the left. Francis said he remembers everything and knew that he was in the wrong lane and was hoping he would not hit anyone. Francis said that he did not see any emergency lights or hear any sirens until he pulled over. He mentioned that he would have pulled over right away if he saw the lights.
The blood results from the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene reported that Francis had 260 ng/mL of Tramadol in his blood at the time of the incident. According to drugs.com, Tramadol is an opioid and a schedule IV substance. Francis was found guilty for Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude Officer and OWI (3rd). He was sentenced to 75 days in jail and 12 months of probation.
This video is for educational purposes only.
On July 29, 2024. A deputy from the Bayfield County Sheriff's Department was dispatched to the report of a light pole that was struck by a vehicle. As the deputy was responding to the scene, he observed a vehicle with front end damage traveling in the wrong lane and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Another witness later called police and stated that the light pole was struck by a black Chevy Impala.
The vehicle did not stop for the deputy and continued to drive in the wrong lane. Multiple vehicles had to pull over to the shoulder of the road to avoid a head-on collision. Eventually, a deputy successfully deployed spike strips and the suspect vehicle came to a stop shortly after. Deputies conducted a high-risk stop and ordered the driver “Francis” to exit the vehicle and walk back to them. Francis complied and deputies were able to secure him in handcuffs.
While being searched, Francis mentioned that he had 2 prosthetic legs and that he had difficulties exiting the vehicle. A small silver container was located in Francis' pocket containing a white powdery substance, which later tested positive for meth/amphetamines. Francis had clammy skin and seemed to be disoriented. EMS was called and deemed that he was not having a medical emergency.
Francis consented to a blood draw and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. After medical clearance, Francis was transported to the Bayfield County Jail and read his Miranda Rights. Francis appeared to be falling asleep and the deputy agreed to come back later to allow him to rest.
The deputy came back and Francis agreed to answer questions. He said that a vehicle drove in front of him and he swerved to avoid the vehicle and struck the pole. When asked why he was driving into oncoming traffic, Francis said his vehicle kept pulling to the left. Francis said he remembers everything and knew that he was in the wrong lane and was hoping he would not hit anyone. Francis said that he did not see any emergency lights or hear any sirens until he pulled over. He mentioned that he would have pulled over right away if he saw the lights.
The blood results from the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene reported that Francis had 260 ng/mL of Tramadol in his blood at the time of the incident. According to drugs.com, Tramadol is an opioid and a schedule IV substance. Francis was found guilty for Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude Officer and OWI (3rd). He was sentenced to 75 days in jail and 12 months of probation.
This video is for educational purposes only.
