On May 21, 2024, Garland Police Officer Christopher Franey, who had served the department for nine years, faced arrest by the Wylie Police Department after reports of reckless driving. This event ultimately led to his indefinite suspension. The Wylie Police Department responded to reports of erratic driving near Parker Road and Paul Wilson Road at approximately 6:58 p.m. that evening.
Officer Cantu of the Wylie Police located the vehicle, described as a red Mazda, in the 200 block of East Brown Street. He followed it northbound on North State Highway 78, observing that the driver was weaving within the lane and crossing over solid lane dividers, causing concern for public safety. The vehicle was stopped in a parking lot at 4013 North State Highway 78.
Signs of Intoxication
As Officer Cantu approached, the driver, who identified himself as Christopher Franey, exhibited signs of possible intoxication. A child was noted in the back seat, adding gravity to the situation. The officer reported detecting the smell of alcohol on Franey’s breath, noticing his glassy eyes, and hearing slurred speech. Franey appeared unsteady as he handed over his driver’s license, fumbling in the process. Despite being questioned multiple times about drinking, Franey denied any alcohol use.
Officer Cantu asked Franey to exit the vehicle. The officer observed Franey stumbling and leaning on the back of the car for balance. When asked where he was coming from, Franey responded “nowhere” and continued to deny drinking. Eventually, he became nonverbal and communicated only through head gestures.
Field Sobriety Tests and Arrest
Officer Cantu contacted a woman associated with Franey to gather more context. She mentioned that Franey had been picking up food from the Cheesecake Factory and was on his way home, unaware of any alcohol consumption. Cantu asked Franey to perform field sobriety tests, but Franey declined by shaking his head. Based on the overall observations—odor of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady movements, and refusal to comply—Officer Cantu arrested Franey at approximately 7:23 p.m. for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger, a felony under Texas law. Franey refused a breathalyzer test, prompting Officer Cantu to obtain a warrant for a blood sample.
Investigation and Blood Test Results
A registered nurse, collected the blood sample at Baylor Scott and White Hospital at 8:54 p.m. On June 10, 2024, Lieutenant May of the Professional Standards Unit received the blood test results, which showed Franey’s BAC at 0.237 g/dL—nearly triple the legal limit of 0.08.
Lieutenant May conducted an internal review that included examining the Wylie Police Department’s reports, video evidence, and witness accounts. Franey was interviewed on June 18, 2024, and provided a memorandum detailing his actions on May 21. He admitted that he had consumed two wine-based drinks called “Beat Box” after finishing his patrol shift. He said he consumed more drinks later that day while at home and before heading to the Cheesecake Factory.
Admission of Policy Violations
In the memorandum, Franey acknowledged he had violated departmental policies by engaging in conduct that constituted a criminal offense. Lieutenant May noted that based on the timeline Franey provided, he consumed approximately 68 ounces of alcohol over a four- to five-hour span, with his last drink occurring around 5:30 p.m. Franey had not consumed any further alcohol for about three and a half to four and a half hours prior to the traffic stop, yet his BAC was still measured at 0.237.
Disciplinary Proceedings
A Chain of Command board convened on July 11, 2024, to assess the findings. The board reviewed the reports, body camera footage, and statements from witnesses and officers. Assistant Chief Poteet questioned Franey during the proceedings, asking why he chose not to speak during the field sobriety tests. Franey explained that he remained silent to avoid self-incrimination but stated that the arrest had served as a wake-up call. He expressed his commitment to seeking help, and Assistant Chief Poteet assured him of the available support resources.
Departmental Response
Lieutenant May’s investigation found that Franey had breached both departmental policies and state laws. The witness accounts corroborated Officer Cantu’s observations, which included erratic driving and signs of impairment. Officer McKiddy, who assisted at the scene, also confirmed Franey’s impaired behavior.
The Garland Police Department determined that Franey’s conduct endangered both the child in his car and the public. As a result, Franey was indefinitely suspended on August 8, 2024.
Disclaimer
The content provided above is for informational and educational purposes only. The details outlined in the complaint and the allegations against the involved parties are based on the information available at the time of composition. Any actions or decisions taken based on this information should be carefully considered and coupled with professional legal counsel where necessary. The accuracy, completeness, and current nature of the information cannot be guaranteed, and no liability is accepted for any losses or damages incurred as a result of the use of this information. It is advisable to consult with a qualified legal professional regarding specific legal issues and concerns.
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