POLSON — A traffic stop turned dangerous recently when Polson Police Officer Michael Wharton was fired at while attempting to pull over a speeding vehicle on U.S. Highway 93.
The suspect, 49-year-old Cameron Francis, was arrested without incident in the Elmo area and is being held at the Lake County Detention Facility on a charge of attempted deliberate homicide.
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said Francis is from Gridley, Calif.
Polson police said the incident began around 11:51 p.m. on Feb. 14 when Wharton attempted to stop a vehicle with no visible taillights near The Shoe restaurant. Initially, the vehicle slowed down but then opened fire on the patrol car, striking it multiple times and causing significant damage.
Despite the damage to his vehicle, Wharton continued the pursuit until he was forced to abandon it due to the vehicle's condition. He suffered minor injuries from shattered glass but is expected to recover.
Additional officers from the Flathead Tribal Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff's Office responded to assist in apprehending Francis.
“The swift and coordinated response of our officers and partner agencies was instrumental in ensuring the suspect was taken into custody without further harm to the public,” Polson Police Chief George Simpson said. “This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers our officers face daily. We are extremely grateful that Officer Wharton was not seriously injured and commend his bravery and perseverance.”
