Dates: August 9, 1979- March 31, 2022
The Tragedy:
Police Officer Dominic Francis lost his life on March 31, 2022, while attempting to stop a vehicle with spike strips on I-75 in the early morning. A series of events began when Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers initiated a pursuit of a vehicle following an attempted traffic stop. The vehicle evaded authorities and rapidly accelerated to speeds surpassing 130 mph. Tragically, this vehicle struck Officer Francis, taking his life.
Following the collision, the three occupants of the vehicle fled on foot but were apprehended within several hours.
Officer Francis had diligently served in law enforcement for over nineteen years, and he is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. In memorial and recognition of his sacrifice, a section of I-75 was renamed the Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Highway.
More info:
13abc : Bluffton officer killed, 3 suspects arrested
The Service:
Officer Francis was honored at the Sommer Center at Bluffton University and over 4,000 people came to honor the fallen man. After the funeral a procession took place to Clymer Cemetery where Francis was laid to rest.
During the service Officer Francis was awarded the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart from Chief Burkholder, which are the highest receivable honors.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost stated, “A hero has died and a community is shaken. The bravery of the men and women that wear the badge is astounding. Officer Francis’ valor will live on and never be forgotten.”
More info:
wtol : Funeral service to be held at Bluffton university
wkyc : Bluffton Officer remembered
The Justice:
Three suspects were apprehended and identified as Emin Johnson, 20, Zachary Love, 21, and Dante Tate, 19. All three are incarcerated and facing various charges. Johnson is facing involuntary manslaughter, failure to comply with police and receiving stolen property charges. Love is facing receiving stolen property and having weapons under disability charges. Tate is facing receiving stolen property and fleeing and eluding charges.
Tate pleaded guilty on February 21, 2023 and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on top of a two year sentence assigned in August of 2022. Love pleaded guilty on March 16, 2023 and faces a maximum of seven-and-a-half years in prison along with a maximum fine of $15,000. Lastly, Johnson pleaded guilty on March 21, 2023 and is sentenced to 21-26 years in prison.
More info:
13abc: Three suspects facing charges
WTOL : Suspects plead guilty to charges
The Delivery:
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