Polson Police Officer Michael Wharton was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal at the Polson City Commission meeting last week after a routine traffic stop earlier this year turned into a chase with shots fired towards Wharton.  

On Feb. 14, Officer Wharton made a traffic stop on Hwy. 93 North, near the Shoe restaurant at around midnight, according to previous Lake County Leader reporting. Wharton initiated the traffic stop due to the vehicle speeding and having no visible taillights.  

Patrol Officer Wharton has been in law enforcement for 21 years and with the City of Polson Police Department for the last 11 years. He explained he has earned some lifesaving medals over the years, but this is his first one at this level.  

“I’m very fortunate and blessed to be standing here about to tell you the story that we got here involving Officer Michael Wharton and just given real, honest proof why you have the best police department in the state of Montana,” Polson Police Chief George Simpson said during the commission meeting as he started to explain the incident.  

The suspect slowed the vehicle and pulled over but as Wharton radioed his location, the suspect opened fire on him with a rifle. Wharton, who was still in his patrol car, was struck by shattered glass and was able to back up his patrol car to avoid being shot. According to Chief Simpson, the patrol car's windshield was shattered.  

“Officer Michael Wharton of the Polson Police Department performed his duty with extraordinary courage and devotion to the safety of his community while attempting to conduct a routine traffic stop,” Simpson said.  

Multiple rounds struck his patrol car, but Wharton continued the pursuit. However, his vehicle was ultimately disabled due to the extensive damage from the shots fired. Local law enforcement responded and began searching for the suspect who fled on North Hwy 93.  

“Officer Wharton was unaware that the driver he was about to engage was a dangerous fugitive who had allegedly just committed a brutal homicide and was fleeing from the crime scene as the suspect's vehicle came to a halt,” Simpson said. “He initiated a pursuit as the suspect attempted to flee, displaying remarkable calmness, determination and valor.” 

Shortly after, a citizen in Elmo reported a suspicious vehicle in that area. Officers responded and located the suspect in the Elmo Post Office. He was identified as 49-year-old Cameron E. Francis of Gridley, Calif, according to Leader reporting.  

Francis was arrested and booked into the Lake County Jail for attempted deliberate homicide. According to Officer Wharton, the case is still pending trial. At the time of the incident, Wharton was treated by Emergency Medical Services for minor injuries.  

“His actions reflect not only uncommon bravery, but also an unyielding dedication to the principles of service, sacrifice and protection of the innocent by placing himself in harm's way,” Simpson said. “His actions directly contributed to the capture of a violent and dangerous individual, safeguarding the lives of countless others.”  

Wharton explained he is forever grateful for the team that responded quickly that night. He extended recognition to all the departments that responded to the incident.  

“We had my city guys, the county guys and the tribal officers, and then we've got amazing dispatchers,” Wharton said. “I'm forever grateful to them. And the EMS guys had to show up and didn't know what they were showing up to. They only knew I was potentially injured.”