State Police: Middle Island Man in Custody on Drug, Weapon Charges After Fleeing Troopers
Brookhaven, NY - January 17, 2019 - On Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at approximately 8:03pm, troopers stopped a white BMW for speeding on the westbound Long Island Expressway, near exit 65, in Suffolk County, Town of Brookhaven.
Prior to the trooper exiting the vehicle, the white BMW sped off and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit ended on Allegheny Drive in Farmingville, where the driver fled on foot. The passenger of the BMW was taken into custody and was later released without criminal charges.
Troopers were assisted by Suffolk County Police who located the driver of the BMW, Joshua Francois, 23 years old, from Middle Island, a short distance away from the scene. Mr. Francois was taken into custody and was found to be possession of a loaded gun with an extended capacity magazine and heroin.
Mr. Francois was arrested on the following charges:
- Unlawful Fleeing from a Police Officer 3rd
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd with Intent to Sell
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd - Narcotic
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child
- Reckless Driving
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2nd
Mr. Francois is being held for arraignment in Suffolk County First District Court on January 16, 2019.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.