Gary Michael “Mike” Madeux was from all appearances trying to make a fresh start in California. He has an extensive criminal record from Jacksonville, Florida, where he has apparently lived most of his life. Records show an arrest in 2003 for indecent exposure and DUI, in 2008 for assault and domestic violence, probation violation, and resisting arrest, and in 2009 for disorderly conduct. The 50-year-old relocated to Sonoma County last year, and is now living in a home in south east Santa Rosa. According to a resume he posted on a career development site last year, he has over ten years experience in the printing industry, and was seeking employment in his new location.
Gary “Mike” Madeux, image from Facebook.
But he was in trouble again last Sunday night, when Madeux was driving a silver 2005 PT Cruiser southbound on the 101 Freeway through Santa Rosa towards Rohnert Park. A Sheriff’s deputy driving on the same freeway observed the PT Cruiser at about 8:40 pm, swerving in and out of lanes, tailgating other cars, and speeding. According to a Sheriff’s Office press release, the deputy pulled the car over, and it exited the freeway at Golf Course Drive, turned right and pulled into the 76 gas station.
As the deputy spoke to the driver, Madeux, he noticed various signs of alcohol intoxication – red and watery eyes, slurred speech, and slow movements. He also smelled alcohol on his breath and in the car. Observing that, the deputy called in for Highway Patrol assistance to test Madeux for intoxication. Within a few minutes, at 8:51, a CHP officer arrived at the scene. But at that moment, Madeux started his car, put it in reverse, and backed up towards the deputy’s patrol car.
Before hitting the car, however, he slammed on the brakes, threw it into drive and peeled out of the gas station. No doubt momentarily stunned by his actions, the deputy and CHP officer quickly jumped into their vehicles and pursued the PT Cruiser with full lights and sirens, as Madeux drove through the Good Nite Inn parking lot, which is right behind the 76 station. He left the lot onto Redwood Drive, turning left, but into the oncoming traffic lanes. He reportedly then turned right, cutting across lanes onto Golf Course Drive, reaching up to 75 mph, as another CHP unit joined the pursuit.
When Madeux left the Good Nite Inn, he headed the wrong way on Redwood Drive.
As Golf Course became Wilfred Avenue, Madeux approached a red light at the Stony Point Road intersection. Madeux did not stop, and his Cruiser ran into a man driving a black Volkswagen Jetta station wagon traveling south. Madeux ended up off the road on the opposite corner at a fenced in agricultural field. He jumped out of the damaged car and made a run for it. but he was no match for the three officers, and was quickly apprehended.
Emergency medical and fire personnel arrived, and treated both Madeux and the unfortunate driver of the Jetta. That man was taken home by deputies after treatment, but Madeux’s pains were sufficient that he required hospital treatment, and was admitted for at least overnight observation. He was released on Wednesday and then booked at the Sonoma County jail on charges of DUI with bodily injury, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for public safety, reckless driving with injury, driving without a license, and resisting arrest.
