A jury has found a man guilty in a case involving a crash into a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit vessel, State Attorney Alexcia Cox announces.

After a three-day trial, Bazelais Francois was convicted on November 19 of two counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, fleeing, and criminal mischief. Sentencing is pending.

The evidence shows that on August 25, 2023, Francois intentionally steered a 30-foot boot into the rear of a PBSO vessel near the beach in Jupiter. He then continued sailing toward shore, pursued by another PBSO vessel and a helicopter.

The defendant ultimately abandoned ship, swam to shore, and was apprehended. He later told investigators he was trying to enter the country illegally along with 17 passengers.

Assistant State Attorneys David Gorlicki and Autumn Gurrola prosecuted the case. We thank the PBSO detectives for their investigation.