Several people called 9-1-1 around 7:30 Wednesday morning to report the patrol car weaving dangerously at a high rate of speed on Fresno area highways ... from 168, to 180, to 99, and 41. The car stopped when it hit a curb on the Bullard off ramp. The deputy was arrested by Highway Patrol and Fresno Police officers.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said, "The deputy did show objective symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance which may even include prescription medication he was taking."
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said, "I'm very grateful to the Fresno Police Department, to the California Highway Patrol for their assistance, I'm very grateful nobody was hurt in this incident. I'm very grateful to the citizens that called in."
Police are waiting for toxicology tests to determine what substances the deputy might have been on. Even if they were legitimately prescribed, it is a crime to drive under the influence of anything that impairs your ability.
Deputy Hillis was booked into the Fresno County Jail, then cited and released. He is on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated.
