On October 11, 2024. An officer from the Portage Police Department observed a male sitting in his vehicle acting suspicious. The officer ran his license plate and it showed that the vehicle's owner had multiple valid warrants for his arrest. The officer approached the male and informed him that he was detained and asked for his license. The driver advised that he did not have it on him but that his name was “Joe”. It was later discovered that his real name was Roger. The officer asked Roger to open the door but he put the vehicle in reverse and began to flee. Roger drove at speeds in excess of 70mph in a posted 25mph zone. He failed to stop at a stop sign and crashed into a ditch shortly after fleeing the traffic stop. Roger exited his vehicle and was walking around in the field he crashed in. The officer drew his firearm and began ordering him to the ground. Roger initially complied with and laid down on the ground before standing up and walking around again. Another officer arrived and Roger sat on the ground with his hands on his head. Officers placed him in handcuffs and called EMS due to Roger complaining of pain in his wrists and face. Roger was placed in the back of a squad car until EMS arrived. Roger informed the officers that he was currently addicted to fentanyl and asked what the jail could do about his withdrawals. An officer informed Roger of his Miranda Rights and he stated that he did not want to answer questions and requested a lawyer. Roger agreed to perform field sobriety tests and officers decided to do them at the hospital where he could also get medical clearance for the jail. Upon arrival at the hospital, Roger informed officers that he last used drugs approximately 8-12 hours prior. After conducting the field sobriety tests, officers determined that there were not enough clues to indicate impairment and did not charge him for OWI. Roger was then secured in handcuffs and escorted to an emergency room to wait for evaluation. During his medical clearance, Roger refused all testing and advised that he normally takes fentanyl a couple times a day and his method of use is injection. After being medically cleared, officers transported Roger to the Columbia County Jail. Roger was found guilty for Vehicle Operator Fleeing or Eluding an Officer. He was sentenced to 1 year in prison and 1 year of extended supervision. This video is for educational purposes only.