Goodrich man enters plea after leading police on chase through Genoa Township

A Genesee County man charged with fleeing from police in Genoa Township has entered a plea in the case.

Authorities say 33-year-old Stephen Francis III of Goodrich led police in a pursuit that began on Grand River Avenue near University Drive on June 13th after a Livingston County Sheriff’s deputy observed a pickup truck driven by Francis traveling eastbound on Grand River passing multiple vehicles by using the left-hand turn lane.  

When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, Francis reportedly accelerated rapidly and continued eastbound on Grand River Avenue at speeds of 95 miles per hour before leaving the roadway and striking a crosswalk sign and several street signs in the area Grand River and Latson Road.

The pursuit was then terminated prior to the vehicle entering onto westbound I-96 at Latson Road. That’s when the sheriff’s office put out a notice asking the public to keep an eye out for him. Francis turned himself in several days later.

Francis, who was charged with third-degree fleeing a police officer, domestic violence – second offense, second degree retail fraud and failing to report accident to fixtures, pleaded guilty as charged in court on Friday.

According to court records, Francis can withdraw his plea at sentencing, which is set for October 5th in front of Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Suzanne Geddis.

Francis remains held on a $100,000 bond.